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A healthy relationship with our pet, good for the heart and mind

A healthy relationship with our pet, good for the heart and mind

- Categories : Behaviour

© Martine Lavallée, BAA and animal health technician

Regardless of our age, our pets can have a beneficial effect on our lives. However, according to researchers, the more compatible the personalities of the pet and the owner are, the more benefits we get. However, it should be noted that a very ill person may not be able to enjoy a pet, as it may be an additional burden and worry.

For the majority of people, there is more chance that a pet will bring positive benefits to our daily lives than inconvenience. For example, I know people in my circle of friends who have believed all their lives that animals were insignificant accessories. One day, their psychologist recommended that they get a dog or a cat to help them overcome a depression. The bond that developed helped them to blossom, relax more easily and learn to live in the moment.

To convince you that a healthy relationship with our pet is good for the heart and the mind, I have found some evidence that our pets make us better and make our lives easier. Enjoy reading!

Good mood

The enthusiasm and good mood of our pets can be contagious and are therefore hard to resist. Their company makes us feel less lonely. Sometimes, especially when we have a dog, they can even make us more social and outgoing in public. Most of the pets that share our lives have only one goal: to please us and be with us. Our pets love us unconditionally without limits or judgment. Moreover, they are extremely loyal. They love to be by our side to cuddle and play.

Dog

Physical and psychological health

Taking care of a pet can bring a lot of satisfaction to our lives. In addition to the benefits of having a more active lifestyle, having a pet has other positive effects on your physical health.

For children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Autism, having a pet in the household can be very beneficial. Through the relationship with their pet, including providing personal care, these children become calmer and more peaceful. Consequently, for these different children having a pet allows them to overcome many challenges and become more responsible.

The same is true for the elderly who can also benefit from positive health effects. By having a pet, the elderly person will remain independent longer. Also, by taking the dog out daily, the elderly person gets more exercise and maintains their mobility and sociability.

A child and a dog

Furthermore, our dogs, and some cats, have a sixth sense, especially when it comes to feeling sadness or anger. When they feel these feelings, they usually offer us comfort.

But even more fantastically, some dogs are able to detect fluctuations in people with diabetes or epilepsy. In the case of diabetes, the trained dog will alert its owner when its blood sugar level reaches a dangerously low level, which can be dangerous for its health. Dogs that can detect the onset of an epileptic seizure are able to warn the patient and his family that a seizure is imminent.

Two dogs and a couple

Let's not forget the assistance dogs for people with physical or visual disabilities. Of course, all these dogs require a lot of specialized training.

In terms of hygiene, research shows that children who grow up in an environment with dogs or cats seem to be less susceptible to asthma and other allergies.

Other studies show that pet owners are more likely to have lower cholesterol levels, helping to reduce certain cardiovascular diseases. Also, it has been proven that petting a pet increases the level of happiness hormones (dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin and serotonin) in our system. Oxytocin, for example, has a calming effect on us, reducing our stress, regulating our blood pressure and heart rate. We realize that in general pet owners are less anxious, less afraid, less lonely and less depressed. There is a reason pet therapy works!

A dog

The smiles

It's hard to resist and not smile when we watch our pets play or interact with their environment. A pet undoubtedly makes a space more lively. With a pet or pets, we rarely feel alone. Our pets often react in funny ways and they make us smile every time. It is through their reaction to their emotions, their expressions and their excitement that they have a direct impact on our emotional state. Also, some of our animals are real clowns and they can easily lighten the atmosphere and bring good humor at the right moments.


Socialization

Taking care of a pet allows us to bond with other people who also have animals in their household. Neighbors will talk about their beloved fur balls, past experiences and what they do to make us happy.


Forgiveness

Owning a pet forces us to not stay angry when it has done something wrong. It doesn't matter if it chewed our favorite pair of shoes, ripped open a cushion or scratched our sofas, we reach into our hearts to understand the situation and forgive our pet's action. All your pet has to do is cuddle up to you and all your frustration will suddenly disappear.

A woman and a dog

Patience

Raising a pet can be quite a challenge! If you are lucky enough to adopt a puppy or kitten, you will have the pleasure of watching it grow and evolve. However, it can be very demanding in terms of time and energy. You will have to be patient and understanding with your pet, since training is a complex process that takes several months. However, you will be proud to see your pet transform over the months and become a good, mature and well-mannered dog/cat!

In summary, the life of a pet is certainly pleasant to share, but it gives us much more. Besides the fact that it is very pleasant to take care of our pet, it also has positive effects on our mental and physical health. It also allows us to have a healthier, happier life and even, according to some, makes us live longer. All good enough reasons to enjoy every moment with our lovely companion!

A cat

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