If you have grown up with a pet as a child, then you might remember the joy and fun that having a furry friend around brought in your life. However, as adults, especially if you’re living alone, with friends or a partner, having a pet can seem like too daunting a prospect. They require constant care, can make plenty of mess, and are a serious commitment.
Despite all the challenges that a pet can bring to your life as an adult, they also bring a host of rewards. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to consider getting a pet.
They’re a great way of staying active
While this doesn’t necessarily apply to all animals, having an active pet, such as a dog, is a great way of encouraging yourself to get more active. Going out for walks, or even a run, is a fantastic form of exercise for both you and your pooch. However, without a pet, you might not have the motivation to go out every day to do this, and you could yourself slipping back into bad habits. When you have a dog, though, it is absolutely essential that you take them out for regular exercise, as this will keep your dog healthy and well. Having this kind of motivation to do so will help when you really don’t feel like going out.
For anyone who struggles to find the motivation to get healthy, this can be an excellent start. Of course, make sure that you also make the effort to look after their health in exchange – check out heartandpaw.com for more advice on this. They will be able to ensure that your pet is getting the right amount of exercise they should.
They’re perfect conversation starters
While pet owners are often caricatured as being a little obsessed with their furry friends, in actual fact, having a pet can help you get out of your shell, and embrace being a little more sociable.
Heading to a regular pet space, such as a dog park, can be a fantastic way to start a conversation with fellow dog owners and meet new people. Pets are also a great way of setting people at ease in your home and can help make anxious visitors feel calmer and more relaxed in a new space.
They’re a real mood booster
If you’ve been struggling with your mood lately, or have a difficult time with feeling anxious about daily life, then having a pet at home can be a wonderful way of helping you lift those more challenging feelings and emotions, and feel much more happier.
Petting an animal has been found to have a calming effect on both adults and children, by releasing stress-relieving hormones, which have a soothing and relaxing effect. Over time, this can help you find better stability with your feelings and generate a happier, more positive mood. This can be the perfect step in helping you find a more positive outlook on life.
Pets also provide the perfect source of companionship – it’s hard not to smile when you have a playful and happy pet around the home, ready to put you in a good mood, despite whatever else might be happening in the world outside.
