Pets enhance the quality of your life by improving your mental and physical well-being. They really can change the way you see the world! The unconditional love of a pet provides you with an endless energy to get through the hardest parts of life. Here are seven unique ways in which pets influence your health and, therefore, uplift the quality of your life:

1. Increase in Love Hormones-The Endorphins and Oxytocin:
Studies have shown that hugging and petting dogs helps in the release of happy hormones (also known as love hormones). The feelings triggered by contact with other humans or pets helps in the release of neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins and reduction of stress hormones, the cortisol. Research on patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has shown that such patients felt calm and confident to confront their fears and overcome them gradually after getting a dog.

2. Decrease in Cholesterol Level:
Having a dog helps in reduction of your cholesterol level. As the weight of the dog-owner is maintained by walking the dog each day, his cholesterol levels drop down. Not only cholesterol level but also triglyceride levels are decreased, reveals a survey conducted by Australian National Heart Foundation.

3. Increase in Fitness:
If you are finding a companion or a reason to go out each day, then get a pooch to spend time with! Let the dog roam around and explore freely during the walk using retractable canine leashes. Find more on variety of retractable leashes here. A study at the University of Missouri showed that people who walked their dogs had increased fitness levels compared to non-dog walkers. One of the studies has estimated that dog walkers walked 300 minutes per week and others without dogs walked 168 minutes per week.  Remember, never walk alone and gear up before heading out on your walk with some of our favorites here!

4. Decrease in Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases:
With low cholesterol, cortisol, triglycerides and blood pressure levels and a bodily fitness level, the risk of heart diseases is largely reduced. American Heart Association conducted various studies on the relation between pet ownership and cardiovascular diseases. They found that the chances of heart problems are reduced and the quality of life is improved of the pet owners.

5. Decrease in Allergies:

If your kids or babies openly interact with the house pets, they are the lucky ones. Studies have shown that children who are exposed to pets at a young age of about 6 months have a strong immune system. They are less prone to developing allergies, cold, asthma, and eczema.

6. Decrease in Blood Pressure:
Would you still deny the fact that your low blood pressure level is because of getting a pet? Did the change occur after bringing home your pet? If yes, you cannot deny it anymore! Did you know? The B.P. responses to stress and hypertension due to your pooch are cut down to half of the normal rate.

7. Decrease in Risk of Depression:
Loneliness breeds depression. Pets can help anti-social people to get out of their comfort zone and interact more often with others. They also provide emotional support to the owners. Dogs, particularly, help to boost self-esteem and confidence of the owners by creating opportunities for them to socialize more.

 

Written by Fiona Appleton

Fiona Appleton is a Labrador owner and lover!  She is the manager of ultimatehomelife.com that has been
developed to help people solve the troubles of pet ownership. She is an active advocate of animal
protection campaigns and enjoys writing about pets!