Owning a pet is extremely popular, and roughly 85 million families in the US have a pet, according to the recent National Pet Owners Survey. Pets can bring about several physical and mental health benefits and enhance your quality of life.

Here are four ways pets can improve your health and wellbeing:

1. Encourage physical activity

Pets can encourage people to do more physical activity, especially when people own dogs. A recent study found that dog owners spend roughly 300 minutes a week walking with their dogs, compared to just 100 minutes for people who don’t own a dog. This suggests that owning a dog can have a strong impact on how much exercise a person does.

Getting more exercise will improve your fitness levels and lower your risk of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Being active will improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. On top of the physical benefits, being active can also improve your mental wellness by reducing stress and improving your confidence and self-esteem.

2. Reduce daily stress

Juggling the demands of daily life can be stressful, and most people experience some level of stress. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), “77% of people report having physical symptoms as a result of stress.” Too much stress can have a devastating impact on your wellbeing and contribute to long-term health complications like mental health disorders and heart disease.

Pets can be excellent stress relievers. Studies have shown that being in the same room as a pet can lower stress and create a calming effect. Pets can create feelings of joy and alleviate stress and anxiety. Taking care of a pet can also reduce feelings of loneliness, especially if you live alone or struggle with feelings of isolation.

3. Provide a sense of purpose

Taking care of a pet can give you a sense of purpose and meaning. A pet is completely reliant on you for all of its needs. If you own a pet, then you must keep it healthy and happy by feeding it the correct food, giving it exercise, and booking regular veterinary check-ups. There is a fantastic variety of pet stores in Phoenix, Arizona, where you can buy essentials for your pet.

4. Bring your family closer

Owning a pet can bring your family closer and strengthen your relationships. Walking a pet dog can be a fun activity that the whole family will enjoy, and pets can be a great source of conversation. Taking care of a family pet can also teach children important responsibilities and life skills that will benefit them in later life.

Summary

There are loads of great reasons to buy a pet. That said, owning a pet is a big commitment, and you must pick a pet that is suited to your lifestyle. If you decide that you want to buy a pet, then take your time researching different options before you commit.