3 Practical Reasons to Have Pets in Your Life
It says a lot to me that having animal companions in our life offer so much joy, just by being there. Isn’t it telling that almost all children bond and form relationships with their furry friends with unbelievable swiftness? To me, it isn’t a sign of humanity’s dominion over animal-kind but proof of our equality. Of course, that’s just me. But putting aside ethics and human to animal relations there are more practical reasons to have pets in your life, especially if struggling with your mental health.
Companionship
Pets make us smile, laugh, we talk to them, share our feelings with them and often even confide in them. We build special friendships for our furry friends and they are always there for us. It is a mutual relationship of love and compassion where both animal and human look after each other in their own way.
Proven to Reduce Stress
Life is stressful, sometimes. Too much stress can be hugely impactful though. However, listening to a bird chirp, stroking your cat or dog or watching fish go about their daily swim can do amazing things for your blood pressure and cholesterol. There is something comforting in talking to an animal or just chilling out together. Life is more fun with a non-human buddy to pal around with and that is a good thing.
Health
The numerous health benefits of owning a pet are phenomenal. Of course there are the obvious factors like walks (for dogs) and playing etc but it is much more in-depth than that. There are physical, mental and emotional pros for living with an animal companion.
Did you know that children who grow up with animals are less likely to develop allergies or that having pets tends to lead to much better developed immune systems? OF course, that isn’t all though – we have all heard those stories too of animals picking up on health complications on their owners before symptoms or doctors have managed to. The stories are too numerous to count.
The Busy Papa
Also known as Aaron, The Busy Papa focuses on lifestyle, parenting and personal wellbeing content. He has two decades experience in creative writing (including several published poems) and strongly dislikes (though tolerates) tomatoes.
Lots of great reasons here to consider having a pet 🙂
I am a firm believe you should have pets in your life, I would be miserable if I didn’t have my boys to keep me busy and entertained
Really are everybodies saviour
Yes, we live and share the planet with animals. Some of us share our home with an animal / pet or pets. Yes I agree that they can be beneficial for human health. Having grown up in a family that had and loves pets, nice to have the benefits acknowledged.
Glad that birds and fish also mentioned. As sometimes these can be easier on a family / household :- Depending on commitments, etc.
The birds outside / outdoors can also be acknowledged :- Birdwatching, bird boxes, etc. Nice to appreciate the life around us. I do like Spring :- When we start to hear and see the birds in the trees, etc.
Childbirth is Celebrated. Spring Time Celebrating seems appropriate :- Birds, Lambs, etc. Flowers budding, later to bloom in a variety of colours. Nature / the Natural World has some joys.
We love cats but the birdlife in our back garden has increased a lot since we haven’t had any.
We have always had pets, we have 2 Border Collies, we have had many pets, we adore animals
A positive and useful post. In addition to the benefits mentioned, it is important that children learn about being responsible for the health and happiness of their pets.
M y husband had a nervous breakdown, if it was not for our dogs not leaving his side, even sleeping beside him, I am really not certain he would have got through it
I suppose that there are extra benefits according to particular animals too. Pet Chickens laying eggs, for example.
Great reasons! There are lots of benefits to have a pet, mostly my daughter would agree that it’s companionship. My Whisper the Yorkshire terrier, is her best friend.
We have always had a dog till recently and have to say i miss our dog every day, was a fab companion and the children absolutely adored her, and she was good for them in the fact they played in the garden chasing each other. our little dog was very protective over the family, i would recommend having a pet is a fab idea
We really hope we can move to a house when this is over. We’d love a pet or two: a cat and a dog.
we have a dog and i have anxiety problems and on bad days she makes me feel better, so i know the importance of having an animal in your life x
I wouldn’t be without a pet. Thank you for a great article.
We wouldn’t be without our dog and two cats as they just bring so much love and entertainment into our lives. Have just prepared our garden for the arrival of our first chickens which we are really looking forward to!
Im not really an animal person but would be lost without my dog, he is part of our family, and such a loving dog.
We lost our cat a year ago now and we would love another pet but unfortunately my daughter has mental health issues so at this time sadly we can’t