Have you welcomed a family pet into your home?

You should, as not only will you be doing a needy animal a favor by giving them a loving and caring environment, but you will be benefiting your families life too, especially where health matters are concerned. We have already touched upon this briefly in our article on therapeutic activities, but we will go into greater detail below. 

#1: Pets are great stress-busters

Despite the occasional stresses that your pets can bring – chewed slippers, muddy carpets, toileting accidents – know that pets can also bring you stress-relief too. Whether it's the welcome they give you when you step through the door, or the comforting presence of them cuddling up to you on the sofa (not recommended for goldfish), you will soon start to feel the benefits.

As stated in this article, being around a pet can lower your blood pressure, increase your happiness chemicals, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is especially true when considering the next point.

#2: Pets promote an active lifestyle

Okay, so your goldfish might not provide this benefit, and your guinea pigs might not be of much use in this regard either. But if you have a dog at home, you will spend time exercising more, be that playing games with pooch in the garden, or taking him for his daily walks.

Not only will this do wonders for your physical fitness levels, but as hinted above, you will feel the mental health benefits too, as exercise can be a great stress-reliever. Check out the following linked article for more on the health benefits of regular exercise. 

#3: Pets give you the incentive to think about your own health needs

As a responsible pet owner, you will do all you can to promote good health in your animal. You will do what you can to exercise them to ensure they remain physically fit throughout their lifetime.

You will provide them with those foods that will help to keep their weight down. And you will use medicinal products akin to treatibles that can promote good physical and mental health in your pet. And as you take these steps, you might be encouraged to think about your own health needs.

You might consider the benefits of exercise for yourself, for example. You might consider the foods you should be eating. And you might look into those products that will boost your overall wellbeing. In short, as you do all you can to care for your pets, you will have the mindset to care for yourself on a regular basis too.

#4: Pets protect your children from allergies

While you might bemoan the dirt and germs that your pets spread around your home, know that exposure to these things at an early age will help to bolster your children's immune systems. As research suggests, pets can reduce the chances of your children falling prey to allergies, and can limit the possibility of debilitating health issues such as asthma.

Of course, you shouldn't use this as an excuse not to keep a clean home, but you don't need to fuss too much every time your cat or dog returns home with less than clean feet!