Congratulations, You're Pet Just Saved Your Life.

I have had a ton of dogs growing up. Currently, I have a little energy ball named Nova. She’s a black lab mix, and I’ve had her since she was eight weeks. Nova is now almost eight months, and I can attest that she is the reason I stay sane sometimes.

In a recent survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, 74% of pet owners said having a pet improved their mental health.

There is nothing like having that type of unconditional love to keep you busy when humans let you down. Pets can be affectionate, accepting, loyal, honest, and consistent companions. They give comfort, love, companionship to ease loneliness, and they also keep you busy.

Kids grow up, move on, and move out, but your furry friend is your companion until the end. The bond that you share with them is unbreakable. Animals help with depression, anxiety, and stress.

Example ways pets improve health:

1. Controlling Blood Pressure — pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who didn’t have a pet.

2. They keep you fit — They always need your care and attention. It’s not so easy to sit and enjoy retirement when a life depends on you. Being a pet owner is not a part-time job!

3. Controlling Asthma — Pet allergies are widespread, and they can also trigger asthma. They found that children were less likely to develop asthma as they got older if there grew up in a house with animals. Growing up with pets lessens the chances you’ll develop specific allergies, and can, in turn, boost your immune system.

4. Security — When you have that bond with your pet, they can often become protective of you. That extra security provides peace of mind, especially if you live alone.

5. Training — Training your animal can teach you a few things as well. Whether it is house training, outside training, or merely training them to act around other people, you learn more about who your companion is as an animal, and they know more about you. This is an additional vital bonding experience.

People commonly greet their animals with a smile on their face. It’s like the feeling of seeing a newborn every time you come home. They’re so cute! To know that you have an animal there for you no matter what provides the best peace of mind there is. They can ease the heart of many aches, and pains included more vital senses and stronger bones.

Read more about how animals can help with mental health here.