Did you know that owning a pet can help boost your mental health?

According to the 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report, nearly 94% of pet pawrents have said that owning a pet makes them happier and their support has proven to be vital as many people are forced to make drastic cutbacks with the cost of living crisis.

Most people now have to make a few changes within their lives as the cost of living crisis continues to increase and as many as 770,000 owners are going without necessities in order to keep caring for their pets. However, almost half of the pet owners have said that their pet has been a lifeline during this hard time. Within this report, it states that nearly 90% of pet owners felt that having a pet improves their life, this figure is higher among dog and cat owners.

Here at Naturo, we believe that pets are family, and owning a pet can bring numerous benefits to your life. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Companionship and Emotional Support: Pets offer unconditional love, companionship, and emotional support. They can be great sources of comfort and help alleviate feelings of loneliness or depression.
• Stress Relief: Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress levels. Petting or playing with a pet can help lower blood pressure and release endorphins, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Improved Mental Health: Pets have a positive impact on mental health. They can boost mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and provide a sense of purpose and routine. Caring for a pet can give individuals a sense of responsibility and provide a distraction from negative thoughts.
• Physical Health Benefits: Owning a pet often encourages physical activity. Dogs, for example, need regular walks, which can improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Additionally, studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.
• Social Interaction: Pets can act as social catalysts, helping owners connect with others. Walking a dog or taking a pet to a park often leads to interactions with other pet owners, creating opportunities for socializing and forming new friendships.
• Teaching Responsibility: Owning a pet is a significant responsibility and can be an excellent way to teach children or even adults about commitment, empathy, and caring for another living being. It helps develop essential life skills.
• Increased Happiness and Well-being: Pets bring joy and happiness to their owners' lives. Their presence can uplift moods, create moments of laughter, and provide a sense of fulfillment. They are often a source of unwavering love and affection.
• Sense of Security: Some pets, such as dogs, provide a sense of security and safety. Their presence can deter potential intruders, and their alertness can warn owners of potential dangers.
• Therapeutic Benefits: Animals are used in various therapeutic settings to aid individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological challenges. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to have positive effects on various conditions, including autism, PTSD, and Alzheimer's disease.
• Enhanced Learning: Owning pets, especially for children, can facilitate learning experiences. Taking care of a pet teaches responsibility, empathy, and important life lessons about nurturing and caring for others.

It's important to note that owning a pet requires time, effort, and financial commitment. Before bringing a pet into your life, ensure you are ready to provide proper care, attention, and a suitable living environment for the specific type of pet you choose.