It’s undeniable that people and dogs nowadays have a special relationship. Dogs have performed a special role in our lives as human closest buddies thanks to a shared evolutionary history that spans tens of thousands of years. Dogs have mastered human socialisation through natural selection and the processes of domestication.
This is seen from our earliest contacts, when avoiding predators and finding food were our common goals, to our more modern incorporation of dogs in a range of settings, such as therapeutic and academic ones.
Here are a few examples of how having pets enhances our lives and is good for our health and happiness:
- Physical Activity
Physical activity is the most important component of such a lifestyle. There is no getting around the fact that dog owners must commit to twice daily walks, and occasionally even more. Dogs can improve our health much earlier than that, even before we are born, not only as we become older.
- Better Moods
Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can enhance serotonin and dopamine levels, which are calming and relaxing hormones. Touch and exercise are effective ways to relieve stress quickly. Petting a dog, cat, or other animals can drop your blood pressure and make you feel instantly calmer and less stressed.
- Companionship
While loneliness and isolation can contribute to mood disorders, companionship can help people live longer lives and avoid illness. Taking care of an animal can make you feel valued and wanted while diverting focus away from your issues and difficulties.
- Routine
Pets require a consistent feeding and exercise routine, especially Dogs. A consistent pattern helps an animal stay calm and balanced, and it may do the same for you. No matter how unhappy, worried, or irritated you are, one begging look from your pet will force you out of bed to feed, exercise, and generally care for them.
- Socialisation in Old Age
Maintaining a social network as you get older isn’t always easy. Families and close friends may be separated due to a move, illness, death, or retirement. Making new acquaintances may also be difficult. Dogs, in particular, are great conversation openers and an excellent way for elderly folks to meet new people.
- Emotional intelligence in children
Pets don’t criticise or offer orders, unlike parents or teachers. They are always loving, and just having them at home can provide children with a sense of security. Children who have been in surroundings with pets develop a better non-verbal understanding also which helps in communication.
While it is true that persons who own pets frequently benefit from better health than those who do not, a pet need not be a dog or a cat. If you want a cuddly pet but are allergic to other animals or have a small living space, a rabbit is an excellent choice. Birds can stimulate social engagement and help you preserve mental sensitivity if you are an elderly person. Even having an aquarium and looking at the fish inside can bring a sense of calm.
