Why pets are good for your health

As well as giving us unconditional companionship, there have been hundreds of studies conducted about how pets can actually be good for our health.  Our physical well-being is greatly effected by our mental well-being which is why having a supportive and loving home is one of the best medicines we can have.

At First Aid Accident and Emergency we recently welcomed our own ‘good medicine’ in the form of a gorgeous chocolate Labrador called Bear.  Whilst Bear could be distracting at times his presence bought a wonderful atmosphere to the office and overall, improved people’s attitude and even productivity.

Here’s some reasons why having a pet in your home or office are good for your health:

Pets make you move: There has been a lot of talk recently that ‘sitting is the new cancer.’  Pets are a great incentive to get up and move around even if it’s to walk over to your four-legged friend to give them a pat.  Sitting down for long periods of time is bad for your posture, circulation and general well-being.  Whilst many of us can’t avoid it with our jobs, getting up and moving around every 20 minutes – half an hour will work wonders for your breathing and your concerntration.

Pets make you happy: There’s nothing like walking through the front door after a rough day and being greeted with unrelenting happiness and excitement.  Pets are a fantastic pick-me-up for any household and workplace and even sitting on the couch patting your cat is a great way to reduce stress and help kick-start those happy hormones.  Happiness is usually contagious so if you’re greeted by a happy dog with a wagging tail, your mood will instantly change.

Pets are great for exercise: Dogs in particular are the best reminder that you need to get out for a walk every day. Even if it’s only ten minutes a day, having a pet that needs a walk is great motivation to make you get outside and get active.  Taking your dog for a walk will help with your circulation, improve your heart health and give you a shot of Vitamin D.

Get out there and get healthy!