The Benefits of Keeping a Pet

Having a pet is rapidly gaining popularity among people globally, and more specifically in Malaysia where an increasing number of families own a pet. Many of us have pets ranging from a dog, cat, bird, and unfortunately a snake; pets are vital companions in our lives. Though the cuddles they give are hard to beat, they are more than a source of comfort and company in people’s lives. Dogs can be beneficial for our mental well-being, increase the amount of exercise that we do, and otherwise improve our social lives. This article is going to shed light on the emotional, physical, and social aspects associated with pet ownership.

My dog stayed with me while I was studying for the exam

In terms of emotional benefits, perhaps the greatest advantage of having a pet is the companionship that a pet comes with. Sometimes they are called ‘man’s best friend’, helping their owners to overcome loneliness, and giving companionship and warmth – all those people who need company can benefit from having pets. These days one may feel out of place, or lonely, having a pet can help to eliminate such feelings. For instance, people who may suffer from loneliness can derive massive comfort from pet animals. It matters getting home and being greeted with joy, it matters even the simplest things in life like walking into a room and seeing your pet looking excited to see you. Research done in this field also affirms these findings, indicating that people who keep pets are more likely to have reduced stress, depression, and anxiety. Touch has been known to improve feelings of happiness and wellbeing and, therefore, petting an animal is just but the best way to ensure that one has released endorphins into the body system. Not only does it not only leave us in a good mood, but it also decreases blood pressure, thus making people feel relaxed. Pets indeed provide companionship for people with various mental disorders as well as can help them reduce symptoms within these disorders. The kind of love and acceptance from them is unconditional and may be helpful to their owners in managing stress. To many people, it becomes a source of comfort during the worst of times.

I went to the pharmacy to buy something.The pharmacist 's cat.

Regarding physical benefits, having a pet will help the user get physical activity which is very helpful for health improvement. For example, dogs need to be taken for a walk, often, thus this need may make their owners get out and exercise. It was established that dog owners are more active than non-owners and can even get their daily recommended amount of exercise just from walking their dogs. Such an addition of activity leads to ideal weight, better heart and vascular health, and general physical fitness. For those people, who have fewer active animals, for instance, cats or small animals, the process of taking care of them includes activities that can be considered as different types of an active life. Cleaning cages and toys, arranging play areas, and playing with pets are similarly likely to increase one’s level of physical activity, thus showing that pet possession is equal in benefiting overall physical well-being for both forms of pets. Moreover, having a pet helps you develop a strong immune system as well as makes you enjoy good health. A comprehensive study shows that children raised with pets are protected from developing some illnesses like allergies and asthma. Contact with pet dander and microbes may help to build up their immune systems to have lifelong positive health effects.

The dog I met while hanging out with my friends

For social benefits, pets are also important in strengthening interactions with the other people in the society. Wanting to obey the verse, ‘Man shall not live alone,’ people often turn to having a pet as an occasion to communicate with other individuals. Totality, Pet parks, friendly activities, and parties where pets are involved, can enhance social contacts that could not happen in other ways. Such interactions create friendships because people can share ideas and feelings as long as they are both pet owners. Furthermore, pets tap or reduce social interaction because the presence of pets makes people feel more at ease. People who feel nervous in communal places will not feel embarrassed because their pets will analyse the situation for them. An obedient dog can help draw people’s attention and begin a conversation as people will have a common language – pet animals. Pets can also enhance the quality of existing relationships in people’s marriages, friendships, and families. People who have pets at home usually spend quality time with them, taking them out for a walk, bathing, or when taking them through training. These shared responsibilities can help to build teamwork and produce memories that can be cherished throughout the generation as a family. Besides, having a pet helps empower a sense of community. By joining a group of people with similar interests such as pet lovers, became easy to help and support one another. This element may be of high importance today because people who live in cities often feel lonely despite the huge amount of people around.

This cats taken while I was an intern as a veterinary assistant

In conclusion, there are many benefits of keeping a pet in society, and they transcend in effect to almost every aspect of life. They provide companionship, help fight depression, and increase the level of physical activity by taking our dogs and cats for a walk. Being surrounded by stress, anxiety, and loneliness, a pet becomes a faithful friend and gives an owner a feeling of need. Over the years, those in Malaysia and the rest of the world who opt to keep pets are realising more and more of the advantages of pet ownership. Finally, the perspectives of people and pets as partners who depend on each other are the perspectives full of love and positive attitude that can improve human’s quality of life. From adopting a new pet to those who already own one, it is crucial, sometimes to pause and consider just how much animals are a part of our lives and how much they matter to them.

A photo with my own dog before studying abroad