BY: Kaleria Jackson
My dog has brought me unexplained happiness since she came into my life. I have a four-year-old Maltese named Keke. My dog is literally my life. The older she gets, the more I have acknowledged that she has an attachment to me and my family members. I think she notices that I have formed an attachment to her as well. Regardless of my relationship with my dog, she has improved the quality of my life. I believe that pets can improve the quality of your life. There are a few ways that pets can improve the quality of a person’s life.
Studies have shown that being in the vicinity of or having interactions with a pets can reduce stress. Some pets can sense when their owner is feeling anxious or stressed. Pets provide an emotional bond with their owner.
Mental Health
Pets can help people with long-term mental health, in terms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Pets can have a calming effect on their owners, which can relax their minds and be therapeutic. Caring for a pet can give your life purpose and help you feel valuable.
Improve Physical Health
Any type of animal has to be active. People who own pets have better physical health because of the demand of the pet needing exercise. Walking, running, and playing with your pet can insure your physical health, but also the health of your pet as well.
Improves Social life
I have had first-hand experience with this since I am a dog owner. Whenever I am out with my dog, I usually get stopped by different people. From questions to compliments, I have received them all. Having pets allows you to be social with other pet owners or with people in general. Having the ability to talk about your pet with others brings joy to any individual. Even if you are not an extrovert, making friends is easier when you have a furry companion by your side.
Gives Responsibility
Pets require a lot of care, attention, and time. Having a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. Children that have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can benefit from having a pet. It gives them the opportunity to have an accountability of another living life form.
Children who are associated with pets have an increase in social functions like social skills, social interaction, and social behavior. There is also a decrease in social isolation. Children with autism may find it to be calming when being around animals or pets.
In a few words, pets give endless love, affection, and companionship. Loneliness can create the need of wanting a companion. Having a pet can get rid of the loneliness that a person may feel when they live alone or when they just feel lonely. Pets can improve the quality of a person’s life by just being present. There are even more ways that pets can improve the quality of life and these are just a few. If you do not have a pet in your life contemplate on bringing one into your life. It may just benefit your life more than you would believe.