You may want to get a dog because you think they are cute and fun. Or, you may have your eye on a kitty because you want a fluffy, warm companion for afternoon naps. What you may not know is that pets can do more than make you feel good and be a fun companion. Pets can actually help you to live longer.
Can Owning a Pet Make You Live Longer?
Health Benefits of Pets
Several studies have been performed on the health benefits of pets. Some studies have shown that having a pet can lower your blood pressure, your heart rate, and even your cholesterol levels.
Those with pets have been found to have lower death rates than those without pets.
Pet owners have even been shown to have a higher likelihood of being able to survive a heart attack.
One reason that pets can convey these health benefits is that they help to lower stress levels.
Just think about how you feel when you sit down and rub your cat’s head after a long day at work.
It helps to calm you.
You listen to the cat purring, feel the soft fur, and enjoy the rhythm of the petting.
It likely feels just as good to you as it does to the cat.
Cognitive Benefits
Pets can have cognitive benefits for the elderly, as well.
Walking a dog or interacting with pets has a positive impact on the parasympathetic nervous system, which improves neural activity.
Owning a pet can fight the cognitive decline that can come with aging, protecting against dementia and memory loss.
Caring for Your Pet
The longer your pet lives, the more benefits you will get.
Your relationship should be a long and mutually beneficial one.
Make sure you are getting your pet regular checkups with a vet.
You will also want to feed the best quality food you can afford.
Provide plenty of exercise and interaction to improve your pet’s physical and mental health.
Make sure you have the number of a good pet hospital on hand in case of an emergency.
Every minute will count if your pet is injured or has a serious illness.
Know who to call to get your pet the essential medical care he needs.
Owning a pet can be a fulfilling and wonderful experience.
It turns out that it can also save your life. You can live a longer and healthier life with a pet.