Any domestic animal which is kept for the sake of companionship and enjoyment opposed to livestock can be termed as pet. Human-animal relation has been as old as the history of man itself. In primitive era, people used to have special bonds with animals. Animals were the means of survival of the hunters and gathering society. We can witness the bonding of man with humans in the hundreds of years old cave art, where man has painted a lot of images of his pets on cave walls. Even in the present day, most of the people especially in the western world are habitual to keep pets in their homes. A study showed that there are more pets than children in American households.
Keeping pets in house is always a healthy sign and bears a lot of social and physical benefits. Some of them are as follows:
1) Pets can enhance your mood
Pets are a great source to improve your mood and temperament. When a cute cat with soft fur rubs against your hand, it always gives a soothing effect. A study has shown that people suffering with various diseases if keep pets, then there are less chances of depression as compared to those who are suffering from similar disease and don’t keep pets.
2) Pets help to control blood pressure
Pets are a good source to control blood pressure. Research has shown that dog owners have less blood pressure and heart rates. This eventually reduces the need to take drugs. It also helps to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride level.
3) Pets are a source of walk and exercise
Pets are very beneficial for humans as they are a lovely companion for walk. Other activities related to animals like feeding, bathing, cleaning are a good source of exercise as well.
4) Pets are an antidote for loneliness
In the busy and hectic routine of the present day world, pets are an excellent companion. They are best to overcome your loneliness. They are good silent listener and best secret keepers. They provide with unconditional love and are always faithful.
5) Source to reduce stress
Pets could prove beneficial to reduce stress and anxiety. Research has shown that people could get relieve from stress and depression, if they spend time with their pets. This at times proves to be more helpful then to spend time with friend or even spouse.
6) Long Life
Studies have shown that people who spend their time with pets are likely to live longer than those who don’t. People with life threatening diseases have chances to survive more if there are pets around them.
7) Better Social Skills
People keeping pets are observed to be good in their social relations. Especially children who grow up with pets in their homes are always respectful towards living things. They care for animal’s needs, food and pain.
8) Pets and safety
Pets especially dogs are a good watcher. They always guard your house in your absence. They can warn the owner well before time about the danger and thieves.
In a nutshell, it could be safely concluded that, keeping pets and showing love towards animals is very necessary for the healthy life. They impart multifold benefits including psychological, social, emotional and physical benefits to mankind.