The Positive Impacts of Having a Pet

pet

As I open the door to my house, I hear several paws scampering down the stairs. Two beagles run towards me smiling from ear to ear as they launch their wagging bodies onto me. I am met with this level of excitement every single day. This is by far one of my favorite parts of the day. Not only is it great to be met with so much exuberance, but there are also many other perks including significant health benefits to having a pet.

Having a pet helps to foster unconditional love and responsibility.

“Studies going back to the early 1980’s support the idea that dogs—and other pets—have enormous health benefits for people. Pets have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and even reduce rates of asthma and allergy in children who grow up with a Fido or a Frisky in the house. Pets also improve people’s psychological well-being and self-esteem” (Junge & MacDonald).

Research indicates that pets are a powerful source in helping reduce harmful stress hormones such as cortisol and actually help to increase endorphins and dopamine. In fact, more and more dogs are being trained as therapy dogs to help reduce stress in clients.

Even though pets have many benefits to your mental health, having pets can be hard work, and careful consideration should be given prior to taking on the responsibility.

Pets can definitely be cute and cuddly, but they should also be treated well, given proper care, and trained to be able to be good members of the family.

Written By: Chelsey Beauchamp, MS

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