Whether you have a dog, a cat, a rabbit with long floppy ears, a tortoise with a great smile or even a budgerigar who helps with the ironing, the benefits of keeping a pet (or pets) are enormous. So much unconditional love … and in this day and age with so much loneliness it’s sorely needed. Pets can provide you with the love you want and need.

The soothing action of stroking the cat or cuddling the dog or chatting to your goldfish as it swims around its bowl, provide calm and relaxation. Studies that have shown your mutual expressions of love and care may cause a decrease in your blood pressure.  You will therefore possibly lower your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Pet owners recover more quickly from a heart attack.

If you live on your own, pets can provide the social support usually supplied by a family. They can certainly help in overcoming mental health problems. The love they provide can change how you feel in a heartbeat.

We all know how good it feels to be lavished with affection at the end of a challenging day. It’s surprising how much easier it becomes to tackle new challenges with your friend by your side. A little warm breath and whiskers can be very soothing. Here in the UK, go to the RSPCA to find your new baby.

Your health

Studies have shown that adopting a pet will keep you away from the doctor; pet owners are generally in better health. They have fewer problems with sleep disorders, depression, heart disease and even weight control. If you don’t have a pet, now could be a good time to adopt.

Pet owners are also more likely to interact socially with their neighbours. If you walk a dog, people are more likely to chat with you as the dog creates an element of trust. In the USA you can go to ASPCA to adopt a pet.

Children

It has also been suggested that children who grow up with furry pets during the first year of their life are less likely to suffer from allergies and wheezing. This protection is found to be stronger with pet dogs and in children who are with the animal on a daily basis. Your child will experience another type of unconditional love … a good thing!

Anxiety and depression

Pets provide a distraction from the worries and turmoil of daily life. They also help in enforcing the discipline to keep to a routine that gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you going throughout the day. If you have a dog your level of physical activity is no longer an issue. It’s all those ‘walkies’ and running around chasing balls in the fresh air. And there is nothing like your pets furry shoulder to cry on when you need it!

Pets provide unconditional love

It’s surprising (or is it?!), how much pets mean to us. It doesn’t matter if you have bad breath, bad hair or a bad attitude, your pet loves you unconditionally … and it’s so easy to return the favour …