Pets need regular meals, a supply of fresh water, and constant grooming. Depending on the type of pet you have, they may even need a constant supply of mice, frequent walks, or a daily change of newspapers in their cages. Taking care of pets is similar to raising a child, but children are eager to enjoy their freedom when they turn 18. On the other hand, pets are a huge lifelong responsibility for their owners.

Despite the monotony and boredom, a surprising statistic reveals that more than 65% of households house at least one pet. Protecting pets is an expensive hobby and, according to a study, owners spend more than 50 billion on their pets.

With the care and money spent on them, what does a pet offer? What is the reason for this madness?

The reality is that money and time spent on pets is a sensible investment. The owners enjoy happiness and better health in exchange for the care and money spent. All pet owners will agree that their pets make them happy.

According to the researchers, owning a pet inclines people to adopt several healthy behaviors. For example, pets need to be taken out and fed regularly after several hours. Pet owners feel needy with these kinds of responsibilities and this increases their self-esteem. It makes them leave the couch and take the pet for a walk. Increases your overall health and happiness. Studies even reported that interaction with pets helps the owner to decrease the release of harmful neurochemicals and improve the levels of feeling hormones in their body.

How do pets help stay well and healthy?

The pet always greets his owner with wet, slimy kisses when he returns home after a busy day. It is an extremely comforting experience. Interacting with a pet appears to be an antidote to stress relief for most people, at the end of the day.

In a few minutes, interacting with a cat or dog or watching fish swim will make you feel calm and relaxed. In reality, your body undergoes physical changes as you interact with pets, which makes a huge difference to your mood. This is because cortisol, a stress hormone, decreases and the wellness hormone, serotonin, increases.

Surprisingly, pets can help you improve your health in multiple ways.

• Improves your mood instantly.

• Relieve loneliness.

• Improves blood pressure control.

• Reduces the level of bad cholesterol.

• Manage and relieve depression.

• The pet keeps you moving.

• Faithful training partner.

• Walking with a pet strengthens its bones.

• Helps in the management of arthritis.

• Socialize with other pet owners to build a connection.

• Alerts owner to eat when he smells glucose drop suddenly.

• Some dogs are trained to warn before a seizure occurs, so the person lies down.

• Pet therapy is used in therapy, autism, and rehabilitation programs after stroke.

• Overcome the limitations of ADHD in a child.

• People with Parkinson’s disease can live independent lives. The dog is trained to touch the person’s feet when he freezes from his Parkinson’s disease. Also, dogs are trained to turn on lights, open and close doors, etc., with their paws.

• It is a good companion for the elderly.

• Children grow up in an active and safe environment with pets.

Pets add unconditional love and true joy to your life. The main reason is that pets satisfy a basic human need: ‘TOUCH’. Cuddling, petting, or cuddling with a furry friend offers sensory stress relief and induces calm.

Less common pet options for health benefits

In addition to cats and dogs, there are other less common pet options for enjoying the health benefits.

• Rabbits: people allergic to cats and dogs can choose a furry rabbit as a companion. It has a lot of energy and needs little maintenance. The pace that a bunny needs is lower and it is an excellent alternative for those who live in an apartment.

• Fish: fish tanks are seen in residences, medical centers or dental clinics. It is there for a reason. Watching fish swim in the tank has been scientifically shown to reduce heart rate and stress level.

• Lizards and snakes: reptiles may seem cold, but they are the owner’s best ally. People allergic to furry animals can choose these exotic and unusual pets. Reptiles become attached to their owners and raise their necks for petting.

• Birds: If you are older or left alone, a pet bird encourages social interaction. You can talk to them and teach them tricks, which helps sharpen their cognitive function.

Before you commit to becoming a pet owner, consider your finances and health to meet the demand of the new member you want to add to your family.