Pets not only become family members and our best friends, they are also good for our health, both physically and mentally. Pets can create opportunities to exercise, get outside and even socialize, but it doesn’t stop there, they encourage playfulness, help children grow up more secure and active and provide companionship, joy and unconditional love. Here are some of the benefits that research has found:
While people with pets often experience these great health benefits, a pet doesn’t need to be just a cat or dog. Watching fish swim around an aquarium can even help reduce muscle tension and lower heart rates.
It’s important to remember to choose the right pet for you, your home, your budget and your lifestyle. Just considering how much a pet will cost, or how much exercise it needs, or how big it will grow, may change the breed or type of pet you choose. So take your time, choose carefully and remember a pet is for a life.
We would love to see a picture of your pet, their name, their age and all about their personality. Send your pet photos and details to [email protected] and we will publish them in the next COTA Connects newsletter!
Resources:
kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pet-ownership/
www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html
www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm