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Are there health benefits to owning a pet?

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility and a life-changing one as well. There are videos online by the thousands showing happy pet owners and how their companions changed their lives. But do pets actually help in leading a healthy and happy life? In this article, we take a look at the numerous health benefits you can gain from owning a pet.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it’s true that owning pets can actually improve your health. Having a furry companion increases your opportunities to accomplish your fitness goals. How so? By getting you to exercise, step out of your home and socialize.

Spending time to bond with pets isn’t just good for your pet’s wellbeing, it does wonders for yours to! Regularly going for walks or playing with pets decreases cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and lowers blood pressure. Not only that, having pets as a companion helps us cope with loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Numerous studies that a pet and its human form bonds that increase fitness, happiness, and lower stress levels. Here’s a list of some benefits you can get According to the Georgia-based CDC:

  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Decreased cholesterol levels
  • Decreased triglyceride levels
  • Decreased feelings of loneliness
  • Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
  • Increased opportunities for socialization

However, it is worth noting that you have to find a pet that is compatible to you. For example, if you have respiratory issues then it might be best to go for a pet that doesn’t have fur. The same goes if you have existing allergies.