Why having a pet is good for your health

If you’re a pet lover, you will understand the personal connection that can develop between humans and animals. Having a pet can be good for your health. Your pet really can have a positive effect on your mental health.

Many people are affected by Stress and anxiety. Pets As Therapy, a national charity founded in 1983, confirm that the act of petting or playing with an animal can help to relieve symptoms such as stress and anxiety due to the increased production of endorphins. When you are feeling stresses, does spending time with your pet help you to feel better?

What are the other health benefits an animal can provide?

As well as helping to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, animals can also:

Increase levels of the hormone oxytocin. This helps to promote an overall sense of well-being. It can help you combat feelings of loneliness.

When you pet or play with an animal such as a dog or a cat, you can benefit from lowered blood pressure and there can be an improvement in your cardiovascular health.

Pets can also bring joy, comfort and companionship to many individuals. Pets As Therapy, along with their well-behaved dogs, make regular visits to nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and day care centres. They spend  time with patients, residents and visitors providing a very simple and pleasurable form of stress relief.

The above information has been sourced from Pets As Therapy and here you will be able to find out more information about how therapy pets can help people in schools, hospitals and care homes, and how you and your pet can volunteer.

SMP Healthcare Ltd is an independent specialist health insurance broker. We can help provide the right advice on health insurance products, whether you are looking to protect you, your family or your employees.

Simply contact us on 01245 929129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com and one of our team will be happy to help you.