According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. Indeed, after a rough day, cuddling your animal friend is enough to drive your frustrations away and calm you down. The act of stroking fur is therapeutic and soothing, and little wonder that animals like dogs, cats and horses have been used for Animal-assisted therapy to take the blues out of nursing home occupants and mental health patients. People who are going through a rough patch in life, like a divorce or passing of a close one, often find comfort and solace from their pet.
Having pets, especially dogs, motivates you to be more physically active, because it is a must to take your dog out on daily walks. Naturally, being active keeps your cholesterol levels down. You'd be heading to the parks more often, or going for hikes, and the fresh air and greenery are certainly the added bonuses for better health and mental well-being. In addition, pets are a great ice breaker among pet owners and animal lovers, opening up opportunities to socialise and even date. And if you look online, pictures of dogs, cats, and other cute animals are always popular among netizens. Possible tickets to online fame aside, a friendly comment or message could spark a friendship between two animal lovers.
Perhaps for the animal lovers, what makes caring for an animal so much more engaging than other hobbies is the fact that it is human nature to want to feel needed, that they are responsible for something important. Taking care of a living thing is a stimulating and rewarding experience that few other hobbies can afford. After all, as veterinary consultant for Good Morning America and author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual says, "A lot of it goes back to reducing stress: You might lose your job, your house, your 401(k)—but you'll never lose the unconditional love of your pet."
For someone dealing with chronic pain, the presence of pets reduces anxiety. According to a study from Loyola University, people who used pet therapy while recovering from a surgery may require significantly less pain medication than those who did not.
Young children too benefit significantly from growing up with animals. Learning responsibility aside, WebMD points out that exposure to animals from a young age have reduced risks of sustaining allergies and asthma. It would also improve the conditions of children with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The soothing sensation of stroking a furred pet is calming to autistic children, while pet care encourages ADHD patients to focus on a predictable routine.
In fact, the health benefits of pet ownership are so apparent that Midland Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio is more partial towards insuring clients over age 75 if they have a pet.
But before you run out to get yourself a pet, bear in mind that a pet is a heavy responsibility and you must be able to give it adequate care and housing for the entire duration of its lifetime. Pet abandonment is a significant problem in Singapore, and you would do well not to contribute to it. While per ownership is not necessarily a luxury, one must bear in mind costs of a life time supply of food, vet visits as well as the initial expenses for making the house pet-friendly. Like humans, your pet can suffer from health problems, and you will have to take it for regular health check ups to ensure your pet leads a long healthy life. You should do plenty of research and make sure you have comprehensive information about the animal you wish to have in order to make an informed decision.
Moreover, you should evaluate your own circumstances carefully and choose a suitable pet. An elderly person would likely do better with an adult cat that is independent and requires less attention and energy to care for, rather than an excitable puppy.
Never enforce pet ownership on someone else. Don't "surprise" your elderly parents with a pet unless you have spoken with them and are sure that it is a decision that they would welcome.
If you have not interacted with the animal of your choice, it would be advisable for you to do so before making the big decision of adopting. You can volunteer at animal shelters or care for your community animals. If eventually you feel that pet ownership is not for you, you still have these options to fall back on, and it would be a rewarding way of contributing to the community while enjoying those furry bundles of joy.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets#2
http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/no-1-keep-your-chin-up/
http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2352/10-health-benefits-of-owning-a-pet-116238/
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/
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