Why Have Pets?

In recent months, I’ve been watching a lot of videos that pertain to dogs that are abandoned. And it bothers me whenever I watch such videos.

I can never understand why people would abandon their pets. If it’s because they’re suddenly unable to keep their pets due to whatever reasons, they should at least try to put them up for adoption or put them in shelters, isn’t it? Pets have feelings like humans. Aren’t they aware? Or their feelings don’t matter to them?

Bear in mind that when you get a pet, you're making a long-term commitment. You're saying "yes" to the idea that this pet is going to be a part of your life for years. And obviously you’ve to be prepared to take care of them. If you’re not prepared to make this commitment, then please don’t get one for goodness’ sake. 

 

If you're thinking about getting a pet because it will be fun, then please reconsider. Pets are not toys; they're living creatures with feelings and they deserve your love, care and attention. If you're not willing to make time for them - both now and in the future - then please don't get one. Or if you don’t have the time or energy to take care of them, then it’s probably not a good idea for you to get one either.

Why Have Pets?

Pets Give You a Reason to Exercise

Pets help you stay active and healthy. They give you a reason to get out of the house, even if it's just for a walk around the block. And if your pets are parrots, for instance, you’ll have to clean their cages every day and that is definitely a form of exercise in my view.

Pets are Great Companions

Pets can help us feel less lonely and isolated. This is especially true for those of us who live alone and who are elderly.

We can confide in our pets without fear of being judged. They won’t betray us, unlike humans. They can sense when we’re feeling down and will just come and sit beside us. According to https://yourdogadvisor.com, our pets are sensitive to hormonal changes and they can smell and sense hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which are hormones that indicate happiness or a lack of it. And that explains how they know when we’re feeling down.

Pets Help Us Cope with Stress

People with pets are better able to cope during stressful events than those who don’t have any pets. According to www.rd.com, a study has shown that petting a pooch helps to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol. And so the next time you feel stressed, you might want to try doing that. In fact, I believe that simply being in the presence of your pet can make you feel calm and therefore less stressed.

Pets Help Reduce Stress in the Workplace

According to https://theimportantsite.com, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study at a manufacturing company that allowed employees to bring their dogs to work. After a week, it was shown that having dogs around the office had helped to reduce stress levels and increase job satisfaction. Employees even reported that their communication with each other had improved.

Pets Could Provide Warnings for Serious Health Conditions

One thing many pet owners don’t know is that dogs could recognise the warning signs of a handful of diseases. Some dogs can detect when a person is about to have an epileptic seizure. Others can sense cancers in their owners. There are even dogs that have been taught to recognise signs of Parkinson’s disease and diabetes and alert their owners accordingly.

Pets Help Us to Socialise

Pets can help us to socialise with other people, which is especially important for those of us who live alone or have limited mobility. For instance, if you have a dog, you're more likely to talk to other people with dogs while taking walks with your dog.

Pets Help Improve Our Mental Health

According to https://theimportantsite.com,   74% of pet owners shared that their pets had helped to improve their mental health in a survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute. And according to www.mhanational.org, a study has shown that veterans with PTSD had better mental health if they had a service dog.

Pets Can Protect Your Family

Throughout history, animals have always been known to help humans in a variety of ways.

Cats can kill rodents and insects while dogs can scare off home intruders. Studies have shown that thieves are often deterred simply by the presence of a dog. And being loyal by nature, I believe a dog will protect its owner (and its owner’s family) at all costs.

Having Pets at a Young Age Can Help Prevent Allergies

Studies have shown that children who live with pets are less likely to develop allergies later on. Indeed, babies living in homes with two or more dogs and cats are 77% less likely to develop allergies by age 6. They are also less likely to develop allergies to ragweed, grass, and dust mites.

Despite the abovementioned, it’s important to note that not all children can benefit from having pets at home. In particular, children with asthma and allergies are likely to have their symptoms worsen because of the presence of pets.

Conclusion

Your pet needs to be fed regularly. Your pet also needs attention and affection. But if you're constantly busy with work or school or something else, then it might be difficult for you to take care of them properly.

Hence, if you're planning to get a pet, I think it’ll be better that you consider carefully because having a pet is a long-term commitment. Also, everyone in the family must agree and be ready to take on the responsibility. Otherwise, it’ll be better not to get one.

Cheers,

Annie Chan

(P/s: My next blog post will be published on 25 Sep 2022. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel here: Annie's Music Everywhere. Thanks!:)

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