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<\/p>\nHaving a pet can have\u00a0numerous positive effects on humans. \u00a0Apart from their cuddle factor that many of us are moved by, the benefits of having a pet are many. \u00a0Pets are known to bring significant change to your physical and mental health. \u00a0If you haven’t opened up your home to a pet yet, here are some reasons why you should.<\/p>\n
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Pets, especially dogs, are known to love unconditionally. \u00a0They make good listeners, they’ll accompany you everywhere, and serve as constant reminders to live in the present. \u00a0They don’t dwell on the past, nor do they demand anything from you but love. \u00a0They can sense your emotions and be by your side. \u00a0Plus, pet cuddles can cheer up and put anybody in a good mood.<\/p>\n
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Studies have shown that growing up with a pet in the house decreases your chances of developing allergies. \u00a0Children who are exposed to animals tend to have stronger immune systems.<\/p>\n
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Statistics show that having a cat at home makes you 30% less likely to suffer from a stroke or other cardiovascular diseases. \u00a0People who own pets have decreased cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels compared to others who don’t. \u00a0These reduced levels are indicators of your minimized risk of having a cardiac arrest as you grow older.<\/p>\n
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Having a pet means keeping check on somebody else other than you. \u00a0Dogs need to be taken out for walks and a cat’s litter box need to be cleaned every day. \u00a0These are responsibilities that all pet owners have to take up. \u00a0If you have a kid at home, having an animal companion can increase his\/her sense of responsibility. \u00a0Kids are capable of running small errands, and habits such as\u00a0taking responsibility for the pet can be inculcated into their daily lives from a young age. \u00a0Not only will it help them\u00a0bond with the pet, but also makes them better individuals.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Having a pet at home will have you following a healthy routine. \u00a0Feeding and playing with them keeps you alert and active. \u00a0Taking dogs\u00a0out for walks, chasing your cat, or going horseback riding are activities that guarantee you getting at least some exercise. \u00a0It is not easy to succumb to laziness when you have a pet around. \u00a0They keep you physically engaged and mentally stimulated, lowering risks of Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases\u00a0associated with aging.<\/p>\n
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When you have a pet at home, it is difficult to stay cooped up inside your house. \u00a0Inevitably, you will have to step out of your house with them at least once a day. \u00a0This can be seen as a time-out from your busy schedule. \u00a0Animal companions also stick by your side through thick and thin. \u00a0While the relationship between humans is unpredictable, pets are bound to love you no matter what, and provide comfort whenever you are around.<\/p>\n
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Having a pet around improves your overall mood. \u00a0Pets give their owners a sense of purpose, especially to those who are depressed or stressed. \u00a0They provide companionship to people who are lonely, thereby increasing their happiness levels. \u00a0Studies show that playing with your pet elevates the levels of serotonin and dopamine, the two neurotransmitters that are associated with happiness. \u00a0Stroking your animal companion\u00a0or just watching them take a nap will help you relax and concentrate better on other aspects of life.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>A dog lover has hit it off with another dog lover on more than one occasion. \u00a0Talking about your pets can be an interesting topic of conversation for pet-lovers in general. \u00a0Pet caretakers will find that their paths frequently cross with other pet caretakers. \u00a0Whether it is at the vet, the dog training classes, or at the park where you are out on a walk with you dog, interactions between pet owners are bound to happen, improving your opportunities to socialize. \u00a0Animal companions have been found to act as facilitators in creating and maintaining relationships, especially in the case of kids who struggle to make friends with others. \u00a0They develop a close bond with their pets first, and then learn to connect with humans.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>A service dog is a specially trained dog which accompanies and performs tasks for people with disability. \u00a0If trained properly, they fetch objects, opens doors, and alert others in case of danger. \u00a0Animal-assisted Therapy or Pet-facilitated Therapy are employed by many hospitals and facilities.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Ever wondered how you don’t notice\u00a0the hours going by while\u00a0you watch your dog play with its favorite chew toy? Same goes with cats and all other pets that\u00a0goof around and give us all a hearty laugh!<\/p>\n
Lastly, if you choose to open your doors to one pet, get two instead. \u00a0So that your animal companion also has an animal companion when you are away.<\/p>\n
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Featured image courtesy of Borja Rius.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Editor’s note:<\/p>\n Which are the animals you tend to see on the roads in your country? Read Animals on the Indian Roads<\/a> and comment to let us know if we missed any.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n