Why having a relationship with pets makes us happier.
Blog | June 26, 2014
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
Private Member |
Thumbs up!! 🙂 I can’t agree more. I love my 4 dogs, 2 cats, 1 rabbit and 3 horses! I love animals since I was a kid (thanks to my grandpa who taught me how to love animals), so I followed my passion and became a veterinarian and I train service dogs. I absolutely love it love it love it and I can’t see myself work in a different work environment. I learn a lot from my animals more than what I learn from humans sometimes haha. It feels amazing when you communicate with them and your soul connect with theirs. 🙂
Private Member |
This is absolutely true! Pets are a way to bond with other animals. Great article!
Private Member |
Very interesting, the things you pointed out about how to learn from dogs, their approach to life and the ones they love, their joy in everyday routines. They teach us how to live in the moment and live every day like it’s the last one.
Private Member |
Awesome I love your post
Private Member |
I LOVE this post! I agree with applying the same standards to one’s human-to-human relationships. I know my 2 beasts (one Cane Corso, one half pitbull/half american bulldog) are the loves of my life and ALWAYS put me in a better mood.
Thanks Z! Keep up the positivity, you’re such an inspiration to me. ♥
Private Member |
I love that you love dogs so much, Zuzka. I miss having pets, but where we’re staying doesn’t allow animals. 🙁
Private Member |
Lovely :]
Private Member |
Dogs rule. Always have, always will.
Had to laugh at “stink eye” – my husband and I use that expression all the time. 🙂
Private Member |
Wow Z, you just about convinced me to get a pet! I’m moving to Greece from Cali in less than a year and this post makes we want to rescue a dog when I get there. Thanks! [*Wink*]
Private Member |
That’s amazing! I’m glad that I could have a part in this 😉 let me know when you get your new friend.
Private Member |
I wish I could have a pet or pets but as you mentioned, they are expensive. I cannot own pets right now because of financial reason and I also live in an apartment so no yard. I am more of dog person. I do not want to have a dog without backyard for it to run around. I hope I can have a dog one day. I like big dogs like retriever : )
Dogs and babies make people smile! : )