A domestic cat. [photo/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com]Keeping animals such as dogs has been found to have a positive influence on social interactions, especially among children.
Introducing a pet to children helps them create friendships and social support. Pets make this possible by easing people out of social isolation and shyness, which are hindrances to socialization. These human companions are particularly good for children with special needs such as autism because they help open them up to interactions.
By now you have probably come across stacks of cat food stocked in supermarkets, sophisticated animal clinics or cute fluffy dogs walking in neighborhoods. With these indications, it’s becoming apparent that more people are warming up to the idea of keeping pets. Animals such as dogs, cats, parrots, lizards, geckos, rabbits and ostriches have become close companions to many. But beyond providing companionship, there are certain health benefits derived from keeping pets.
They help lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure and boost immunity. A pet helps soothe and calm human beings. People who have stress disorders can also experience relief from the soothing effects of a pet. This is because animals tend to sense when another animal is stressed or injured. They then come up with ways of comforting them, which ultimately brings psychological relief.
Engaging in fun activities such as playing with your pet is a good way to stay fit. Besides, playtime with your pet stimulates the production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for giving pleasure, appetite, and sleep and easing indigestion.
Owning a pet, however, comes with several responsibilities. Pets are most comfortable when their five welfare needs a namely environment, nutritional, health, behavioral, and companionship are met.
However, it’s clear that adopting a pet is not a temporary affair and ought to be undertaken by people that are committed to caring for them.