Pets make us happy, and it’s been well documented in studies that people with pets are less likely to have heart disease, depression and other health problems. Spending time with pets lowers stress levels, and playing with a dog has been shown to raise the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and can even lower heart rate in some people.
Pet ownership also has positive effects on children, providing them with a source of affection and security. Playing with and talking to their pets can help them develop a sense of responsibility and trust, and learning how to train their animal can teach them the value of perseverance. Kids who grow up with pets tend to be more comfortable around other people and are better able to build healthy relationships as adults.
Despite their lovable, playful and fun-loving natures, pets have a more serious side than just entertaining or pleasing their owners. Since the earliest periods of domestication, many animals have been used for utilitarian purposes. For example, hunting dogs have helped to catch game birds for food, while cats, wolves and hyenas have been used as hunters. Some, such as the hawks of the aristocratic sport of falconry, have been tethered to their human masters for the purpose of flying them for long-distance hunting.
It’s important to think about the purpose and function of any pet before you decide to get one. Consider whether you can live with their dietary requirements, space needs and lifespan. You must be able to provide them with food, water and shelter that is safe for them, and you must be prepared to care for them on a daily basis for their entire life. If you already have other animals in your home, you will also need to consider the size and energy level of any new pet, and how they might interact with each other.
It is important to remember that pets are not cures for mental health or emotional distress, and they should not be treated as a replacement for therapy. If you have anxiety, depression or any other condition, it’s crucial that you talk to a qualified therapist to seek treatment instead of trying to self-diagnose. However, pets can be a wonderful addition to your family and are a fantastic way to enjoy the companionship of an animal, as long as you choose the right animal for your lifestyle and can commit to caring for it properly. Lily’s Kitchen is a UK-based pet food brand that makes fresh, tasty and nutritious recipes that are designed by vets and nutritionists for your pet. All of our recipes are made with the finest and most natural ingredients, so you can be sure that they’re good for your pet (and their people). Try our delicious dog foods today!