Pets provide companionship, emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, reduce stress levels and help us increase our social activities. It also contributes to self-esteem and positive emotions, especially for children. There is evidence that proposes that closeness with pets has positive consequences for human health and even contributes to the creation of a more proactive society. It has been demonstrated that playing with a dog raises the levels of chemical substances such as oxytocin and dopamine, which make us feel positive, thus creating a close relationship with the pet. Pets can reduce stress and feelings of loneliness, improve heart health and even help children with their emotional and social skills. So says the NIH (National Institutes of Health), a group of U.S. government institutions dedicated to medical research.
Benefits of owning a pet
Emotional benefits:
They help fight depression and loneliness, since their presence stimulates physical contact and communication. In situations such as confinement, pets have been true emotional pillars for their owners. Physical health benefits: Pets can improve heart health because they lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate during stressful situations.
Mental health benefits:
Pets help humans increase productivity if they are nearby. They provide emotional support, confidence and well-being. One of the benefits of having a pet at home is that it gives humans a reason to be active, which is essential for maintaining good mental health. People will have a reason to get outdoors, go for walks and play with their pets. In addition, sharing with pets brings feelings of happiness, affection and joy by petting them, talking to them and spending time with them.
Benefits for children:
Pets in children's lives also have many benefits for personal growth. It teaches little ones valuable life lessons such as responsibility, trust, compassion, respect and patience. In addition, companionship is important for children and animals because they share a lot of energy when it comes to play.
