Health Benefits of Having a Pet

How Pets Can Make You Healthier

Pet owners may read this and say “duh!”, but having a pet can have a great impact on your health. We’re talking about more than just the unconditional love a pet can give you. There are some serious health benefits that pet owners enjoy – compared to people without pets.

The Centers for Disease Control finds pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and improve your mood.  Pets can increase your chance of exercising and spending time outdoors – especially if you own a dog. You’ll need to walk your pet, go for a run with your dog or just take them to a park to relax and socialize.

Spending time with a pet can have a great impact on your blood pressure. One study found pet owners had lower blood pressure and heart rates compared to people who didn’t own a pet. And – researchers have shown that children can lower their blood pressure while petting their dog!

If you or someone you know is dealing with depression, owning a pet can really help your mood. Therapists have long prescribed pets as ways to recover from depression. Pets offer unconditional love, will listen as long as you are willing to talk and taking care of a pet can provide a great purpose to someone dealing with despair.