One form of self-care, believe it or not, is pet ownership. So, if you’ve always thought about owning a pet, but never took the plunge, now might be the time to do so. No matter your situation, whether you’re completely new to owning a pet or you’ve fostered an animal in the past, if you’re considering owning a pet, you should know that having one can vastly improve your way of life in multiple arenas. So, here are three absolute perks to pet ownership.
Pets can make you healthier.
Although bacteria can cause illness, having too little exposure to germs can equate to a weaker immune system. The key is to find a balance – and having a pet can help you do just that. Dogs and cats introduce new bacteria into your home, which causes an increase in biodiversity in that environment. Your immune system builds up defenses to these new germs, strengthening it over time and making it less likely that you’ll easily fall ill.
Pets can help your mental health.
A pet can help you establish a routine and stay active – two behaviors that are excellent for your mental health. What’s more, studies have shown that pet owners are more positive about life, are less likely to suffer from depression, and have more social interactions than those without pets.
Certain pets can encourage you to exercise.
Some pet owners would agree that having a dog can be like having a personal trainer. Why? Well, pets who rely upon daily walks urge their owners to get outside, too, in turn encouraging them to exercise daily. Plus, walking is a worthwhile activity for shedding weight! Research even suggests that dog owners who walk their dogs daily are less likely to be obese than people who don’t own dogs.
Oxford at Sonterra Apartments in San Antonio, Texas