While some people see animals as hairy, messy and allergy-causing beings, most of us can’t imagine our lives without a pet, and statistics are here to prove it: according to PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association), there are over 70 million pet-owning households across Europe.
Besides the obvious emotional benefits you get from interacting with animals, turns out there are plenty of health benefits in owning a pet, too. Here are four of them:
Decreasing the risk of disease
As the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states, having a pet can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of developing heart diseases.
Fighting against depression
Interacting with animals reduce tension and improve the overall mood, according to Webmd.com. Having a pet teaches you responsibility, offers you companionship and establishes a routine that can help depressive people stay on track and feel less lonely or isolated.
Fighting against allergies
Despite common thinking that says pets increase the risk of allergy, researcher James E. Gern, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has showed that having a cat or a dog will actually decrease the risk of allergy and asthma in children, resulting in a stronger immune system.
Improving your overall health
By providing you with opportunities for exercising and outdoor activities, pets help you maintain a healthy body on a daily basis and can be your ally in losing weight, toning your body or boosting your serotonin levels.
