They keep the blues at bay
Feeling ‘ruff’ or a bit down in the dumps… your pet will soon change that! Pets have the ability to give their owners a sense of purpose and provide much needed companionship. They can help to boost your mood and improve your feeling of happiness and overall wellbeing. Such is the positive effects of having a pet that pet therapy is often seen as a way to benefit the sick and elderly.
They keep you moving
This one is for all you dog owners. ‘Walkies’ is probably your dog’s favourite time of the day and every time you take them out you are exercising too. Exercise releases endorphins which help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being.
They keep you company
A surprising 38% of Brits recently reported that they regularly feel lonely, a pet might just be the remedy for this! Pets give a great sense of security and offer endless amounts of affection. They’re fantastic company to share your day with and will help make you feel wanted and needed.
They keep you social
Did you know that dog owners have 69% more social interactions than non-dog owners? There’s nothing most dog owners enjoy more on a dog walk than a little chin wag with other dog parents. Pets can be a great talking point and there are plenty of training classes or online forums for you to meet other people and talk about your furry friends.
They keep you structured
Pets are suckers for routine and can often tell when it’s time for dinner. They’re great for adding structure to your daily life. From getting up, getting ready, eating, getting out and going to bed, your pets and their routine can help you feel more grounded and focused even on the most mundane of days.
Keeping you healthy
An animal a day helps keep the doctor away. This is because it’s been shown that our furry little friends don’t just bring companionship, they also dish out a host of health benefits to their owners. These benefits can be physical, mental and emotional. They can range from helping you get a date (who can’t resist puppy eyes on a dog walk?) all the way through to reducing the risk of a heart attack! Research has proven that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than people who don’t own a dog.
Having a pet isn’t for everyone, sometimes we may want to ‘try before we buy’ or perhaps have a pet around for short periods of time. Spending a bit of time with other people’s pets can be a great solution to this – the odd dog walk now and again can be great therapy. There are a number of charities around the UK who look for volunteer dog walkers or short-term foster volunteers. Why not get in touch with a local rescue centre to see what opportunities they may have for you to spend some quality time with an animal and both enjoy some creature comforts.
*Sponsored blog by 4Paws Pet Insurance
