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Why Pets Are Important To Humans?

The Benefits Of Pets For Human Health

By Aisha Shamim Published 2 years ago 4 min read
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Animals play an important role in many people’s lives. Besides having designated therapeutic roles, animals are also valued as companions, which can certainly affect the quality of our lives.

If we understand the human-animal bond, we can use it to improve people’s lives. This article summarizes how animals help improve the health and well-being of people.

How can pets improve your life and mental health?

Pets can be important for human beings because they provide mental and physical pleasure . .In fact , playing with your pet boosts your levels of Serotonin and Dopamine , these hormones are natural mood stabilizers that reduce stress.

When we smile, laugh or converse with our pets, this helps stimulate the release of ‘happiness hormones.According to a HABRI Survey of family physicians, 87% said their patients’ mood had improved because of owning a pet.Most pet owners can tell the immediate joys that get in with sharing their lives with pets .A study shows that 88 percent of the respondents of a survey stated that their life became happier since they got a pet.

Pet owners are often happier, have more self-esteem, and are more physically fit. You don’t just improve the quality of the life of pets you own — they improve the quality of your life, too.

Pets Alleviate Stress And Anxiety

Are you having a bad day? Go ahead and snuggle up with your beloved pet. Studies have shown that the bonding between people and pets increases oxytocin levels in the brain. Oxytocin, also known as , “love” or “cuddle” hormone has a key role in our social behavior having physical effects on our body. It helps slow your heart rate and breathing, and prevents the secretions of stress hormones, creating a sense of calm and comfort.

Pets have this innate attribute to be responsive to humans behavior and emotions. And like any good human friend can often pickup on their owner mood and snuggling up to you when you are feeling sad or licking your hands if they sense that you have anxiety.

Dogs will understand your pain better than any human

A study shows that pet therapy is favorable for children because human-animal relationship helps release of stress and anxiety, among other things.According to HABRI , pet therapy increases social functions, decreases isolation, and improves independence in children with autism. Furthermore, stroking a pet lowers blood pressure and thus reduces stress. It is found that dogs can help calm hyperactive or aggressive children.

Cats and dogs have a deeply calming effect on humans and give you best medicine that is unconditional love ,loyalty and companionship. One statistitic illustrates that 80% of U.S. adults aged 50 to 80 years reported stress reduction due to pet ownership as of 2018.

Lower Blood Pressure And Cholesterol

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be life savers in depression and grief , help manage loneliness, increase opportunities to exercise and playfulness, get outside, and socialize . Owning pets can significantly lower , heart rate ,blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels in response to stress.

According to a study those with pets had significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure and faster recovery of these parameters to baseline after stressful situations.

Pets Support Your Mental Health

A furry friend will always be waiting patiently for you at home and ready to welcome you with a fluttering tail or a purr. Playing with a cat or a dog can create basic mindfulness and take your mind away from your problems and place you in the “here and now.” This is wonderful for mental health.

According to mental health statistics , 74% of pet owners say that their mental health has improved after owning a pet . Studies show that human-animal bonding increases oxytocin levels in the brain which results in a sense of calm, comfort and focus.

Pets are extremely helpful for people recovering from severe mental health conditions. Researchers found evidence that having a pet benefits people with mental health conditions. A review suggested that Pets helped them to manage their emotions. In addition, it distracted them from the symptoms of their mental health condition.

For example, a 2016 study at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom involved 54 participants. All of them had severe mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.Among 60 % the of participants who were in supportive connection with a pet , about half of them said that pets helped them manage their illness and everyday life. Pets ownership also gave them a strong sense of identity, self-worth, and meaning.

Moreover, pets diverted their attention from symptoms like hearing voices, suicidal thoughts, or rumination, and thus helped them improving their mental illness. Moreover, caring for a pet also gave owners a feeling of being in control, and it gave them a sense of security and routine.

They Can Help Reduce The Effects Of Depression And Loneliness

Pets are a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation and help us to live mentally healthier lives. The regular exercise from walking a dog can benefit the people who suffer from depression.

The company of pets is incredibly valuable for pet-owners who experience loneliness, particularly in later life. People feel more needed and wanted when they have a pet to care for. Caring for another living creature produces mental health benefits and gives us a sense of purpose and meaning.

Doing things for the good of others reduces depression and loneliness.

Conclusion

In summary, owning a pet will change your life and bring you so much joy and love. They help us gain a sense of responsibility, show us unconditional love, and are always there when we need them.

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About the Creator

Aisha Shamim

I am Aisha Shamim: A Teacher, Researcher, and Writer. Most of my articles are about fitness and pets, i also write about science.

If you like my work leave a like and don't forget to subscribe!

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