Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Many of us choose to have furry companions in our lives because they’re cute, fun and always there when we need them, but you know what? That four-legged friend who’s always by your side is also great for your health. Research shows that cats, dogs, and other animals are great for our physical and mental wellbeing. This is another reason to have them by our sides, right?Want to know more? Let’s take a closer look at five of the biggest ways your pet does amazing things for your health.
Built-In Stress Buster
You might have noticed that, when you spend more time around your pet, you feel calmer. When you sit down to pet your cat, you feel the stress of the day melt away. Well, this is no coincidence! Well behaved pets have been proven to have a calming effect on us. In fact, studies show that petting an animal lowers cortisol (your stress hormone) and boosts serotonin and dopamine — your happy brain chemicals. Translation: your pet is basically a fuzzy anti-anxiety medication with a tail.
Personal Trainer on Paws
If your dog’s giving you that “walk me or else” look, congratulations, you’ve got yourself a fitness accountability partner. Daily walks, games of fetch, or even chasing your cat off the kitchen counter can add serious steps to your day.
Not into treadmills? Perfect. Dogs don’t care about gyms; they just want movement. Bonus: outdoor walks mean fresh air, sunlight, and the occasional unsolicited conversation with another human (it happens).
The Ultimate Mood Booster
Pets don’t judge. They don’t care if you haven’t brushed your hair or if you’re wearing yesterday’s hoodie. They’re just thrilled you exist at all. That unconditional love works wonders for emotional health, boosting confidence, reducing loneliness, and reminding you that you’re someone’s favorite human.
And if your dog seems to know when you’re sad, you’re not imagining it. Dogs can pick up on human emotions and often comfort their owners in response. That’s why service dog training programs are so powerful; they help dogs develop instincts to actively support their owners mental and physical health needs.
Immune System Upgrade
Believe it or not, pets (especially dogs) can actually make your immune system stronger. Exposure to pet dander and the great outdoors can help your body build resistance to allergens and microbes. In fact, kids who grow up with pets are less likely to develop certain allergies. So yeah, your “dirty dog” might be doing you a clean favor.
Better Heart Health (and Not Just the Warm Fuzzy Kind)
Women with pets, especially dogs, have lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of heart disease. This this truth is in the extra exercise, reduced stress, and some is having love in your life. That’s right: puppy kisses are basically cardio.
Whether it’s a high-energy Labrador, a snooty Persian, or a talkative parrot, your pet’s doing a whole lot more to support you than you realize. So make sure you take good care of them with lots of snuggles, quality food, and exercise. That way you can have an amazing life together for many years.
