5 Reasons Why Owning a Pet Is Good for Your Mental Health

Did you know that April 11 is National Pet Day? Any kind of animal can enrich the quality of your life, whether its a dog, cat, guinea pig, hamster or lizard.

If you're curious to learn just why pets can be a great addition for anyone's life, continue reading. We've gathered five reasons why a (sometimes) furry friend can improve your mental health.

You Can Get Free Snuggles

If you live alone, you've probably had lonely nights of yearning for a good hug from a loved one. When you have a pet, you can always have someone to snuggle. Lazy animals (one of our favorite personality types for pets) will love to lounge on the couch and watch a movie with you. Plus, they totally love getting scratches as much as you appreciate their embrace.

woman snuggling with cat

(via Shutterstock)

 

They Give You Responsibility

When you are the only person to care for, you may neglect the average responsibility. Living alone, there have been many times where we didn't bother making the bed or cleaning the kitchen. Caring for a pet forces you, because that's another life in your hands. After you get into the routine of maintaining their health, you'll have an easier time with your personal self-care.

 

Also read about: 6 Activities to Do With Your Dog on National Love Your Pet Day

 

You'll Always Have Company

As much as we love our alone time, we don't love feeling lonely. Plus, if you live by yourself, you may feel especially alone, only made worse for homebodies. Having a pet in your house will make your space feel much livelier. And the best part about it? Your animals won't stress you out like a friend or family member.

 

You'll Have an Excuse to Exercise

Anyone who owns a cat, dog or horse will have to spend time with them outdoors so they can get their exercise. These animals instinctively like to spend time in nature and need walks. This will give you an excuse to stretch your own legs in a much more fun way.

woman jogging with dog

(via Shutterstock)

 

They Can Prevent Allergies!

The most formative years of a human's life is their infancy. If you expose a baby to an animal during their earliest years, you may be able to prevent severe adulthood allergies. One of our least favorite traits about ourselves is being allergic to cats and dogs, so we wish someone offered us an animal companion when we were small.

 

Are you a dog person? Click HERE to discover eight things you will relate to if you like pups more than people.

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