- Pets offer emotional support, physical health benefits, and stress relief.
- 66% of U.S. households are estimated to have a pet, totaling 90+ million dogs and 94 million cats.
- Prepare your backyard with secure barriers & train your pet for obedience & socialization.
- Get the essentials such as food, bowls, bedding, toys, crates, litter boxes & vaccinations.
- With proper preparation & training, pets provide mental & physical benefits for years.
Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and other pets aren’t just cute and furry creatures that enhance our social media feeds, there are plenty of mental and physical benefits. And with quarantine in effect and stress levels on the rise, you may want to consider adopting a furry friend if you haven’t.
Pet Ownership in The U.S.
About 66% of U.S. households are estimated to have at least one pet. That translates to about 84 million households, more than 90 million dogs, and 94 million cats as pets in the U.S. alone! There are various benefits of having pets. Here are five ways pets can help improve your well-being and quality of life.
Emotional Support
Pets offer unconditional love and comfort to their owners. They are loyal companions happy to be by your side through thick and thin. Research has shown that petting and playing with pets can release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, promoting calmness and relaxation. Moreover, owning a pet reduces loneliness and anxiety, especially for those living alone.
Physical Health
Not only do pets keep you mentally fit, but they also enhance your physical health. For instance, taking your dog for daily walks is an excellent form of exercise that can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart illness. Additionally, pets have been found to lower blood pressure levels and reduce the number of stress hormones in the body.
Stress Relief
Pets are great stress-relief companions. Studies have found that people who own pets are less anxious in high-stress situations than those without pets. For instance, watching fish in an aquarium can be calming, reducing stress and anxiety. Furthermore, pets can help children feel more secure and safe, impacting their mental and emotional well-being.
Social Interaction
Pets can help strengthen our social bonds and enhance our communication skills. Taking your dog to a local park can create opportunities to meet and interact with other dog owners. Additionally, many pet lovers share their experiences and stories online, which can lead to social support and community building.
Security
Pets can provide a sense of security and protection against potential intruders. Big dogs can guard houses, and smaller animals, such as cats and birds, can alert owners of strange occurrences. Moreover, owning a pet has been reported to decrease the risk of burglary and theft.
Preparing Your Household For Your Fur-Baby
There are a few things to consider when bringing a pet home. Here are some of them.
Prepare Your Backyard
Your backyard plays a massive part in the life of your pet. It serves as a safe space for them to play and explore. Ensure your backyard is secure with a fence or other barriers and any potential hazards like sharp objects or poisonous plants. It’s vital that you also take care of your home’s landscape. Choose a landscape design that fits your pet’s lifestyle. Specific designs such as xeriscaping or vertical gardens are easier to maintain and allow your pet to roam freely.
Train Your Pet
Training is essential for your and your pet’s safety and well-being. It teaches them basic commands such as sit, stay, come, etc., making them obedient and better behaved. Training also helps with socialization and builds trust between you and your pet.
Get the Essentials
Before bringing your pet home, ensure you have all the essentials, such as food, water bowls, grooming supplies, bedding, toys, crates, and litter boxes. Ensuring your pet has the necessary vaccinations to stay healthy is also essential.
Fences
It’s also essential that your pet has a secure place to roam about. Installing fences and barriers will ensure that your pet stays within the limits of your property and away from any potential hazards. Ensure the fence is up to code with current regulations in your area.
Overall, having a pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. They can help us in various ways, from companionship to emotional support. So don’t hesitate to get yourself a furry friend today! With the proper preparation and training, you can ensure your pet will be safe, happy, and well taken care of. Additionally, when done correctly, pet ownership will provide numerous mental and physical benefits for years. Whether you have cats or dogs or something else entirely—we’re sure owning a pet is an experience you won’t regret!
