Pets relationships are an important part of our lives. They’re expensive and messy, will wake you up at six am on a daily basis and probably have destroyed a few things in your household and closet. Yet, there are millions of pet owners across the country. Why is it so important to have them as a part of the family?  Researchers are only recently beginning to take a closer look at the facts on how incredibly influential it is upon our well being and happiness to have a relationship with a furry friend. The more time you spend with your four-legged companion, the better you feel.

Pets have a huge impact on our moods. Whether you’re tossing a tennis ball at the dog park or running around the block, you’re moving around and that means burning calories. You’re getting your heart rate up and scoring a better mood and energy boosts that are usually provided by quick bursts of exercise. Even if all you do is walk your dog down the sidewalk twice a day, that exercise adds up over time. The American Heart Association confirms that pet ownership is linked to a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a lower likelihood of obesity. 

 They make us more social. Ever notice that when you’re out with your pet, strangers are more likely to smile, say hello, even start a conversation?  Those brief exchanges seem meaningless, but they actually leave us feeling less isolated and more in touch with our community. And that makes us happier because we tend to feel better when connected to others. People who have pets are perceived by others to be more social and open.

 Dogs and other pets can provide stress relief. Just a few minutes of petting a dog signals our brain to crank up production of the hormones serotonin and oxytocin, two calming chemicals that make us feel more relaxed and at peace, according to research from University of Missouri. Running your hand against your dog’s fur also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 

We learn how to add structure and routine to our daily lives by going for everyday walks, establishing playtime and eating routines.  Yes, it can all start to feel like a repetitive job after a while. But there’s an upside to responsible pet parent behavior: It helps bring discipline to our day, and that benefits us as much as it does them. We feel like there is order and purpose to our lives, we tend to feel happier and be more productive. 

 Pets can teach us how to have a better relationship with our partners. Just think about how happy they are when we come home from work, they race to see us and show us love, wagging their tails and can’t wait to kiss us. Experts say our relationships would benefit if we humans behaved, well not exactly the same way, but in very similar way. Instead of being glued to our smartphone, computer and a television, we should greet our partner with a kiss, a twenty second hug and ask them how their day was. 

 Learn from them how to put fun into a relationships. Dogs are up for anything, walk on the beach, car ride, hide and seek or a good run. Successful couples should have the same attitude. When you do different things together, like building a project or hiking a new path it makes us feel closer and more bonded.  University of Denver study found that laughing, engaging in playful activities and learning something new together are important components of a happy relationship. 

Another healthy habit you can learn from your dog: Be forgiving. Dogs don’t hold grudges. 5 minutes after they get the stink eye for chewing up your favorite shoes, a dog is happy to cuddle up and lick your face. And being forgiving can really boost your health. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that holding a grudge is so emotionally poisonous, that it can increase your risk of depression and substance abuse.   

Animals encourage us to greet a day with enthusiasm, they teach us to embrace others despite our differences, show us how to be happy with who we are and motivate us to appreciate the little things. Taking care of an animal helps us become more caring and compassionate. 

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~Anatole France