The majority of households in the US have at least one pet. So why are pets so popular? It would be impossible to list all of the benefits and reasons for pet popularity however we can look at some of the most common ones.

Pets are just plain fun to have around us! Now that’s a good reason isn’t it? Pets give us a reason to smile, even laugh out loud on a day that might otherwise have us wearing a frown.  A good belly laugh is a very effective stress reliever helping to bring down our coritsol levels and decrease hypertension.

Having a pet in the home is good for our health in other ways as well.  In addition to helping us to lower our blood pressure, pets have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.  Pets can also help to increase our exercise and outdoor activities. Taking a dog for a walk or on a hike is good low impact aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise is key to maintaining good health and increasing longevity.

When children get involved with the walks the exercise can help reduce anxiety and increase attention span helping them to perform better in school and have fewer conflicts with siblings, other family members and teachers. Walking and hiking is also a great way to help control or reduce obesity for both children and adults. The exercise also helps to regulate our blood sugar, reducing the risk of type II diabetes onset and aiding in the control of existing diabetes.

OK, so physical health is not high on your list of reasons to have a pet. What about emotional and social health? People tell pets their deepest secrets and share things they might be too embarrassed to discuss with any human. They can be a living breathing diary if you will. Pets make no judgment about us when we share these feelings. Simply being able to say what is on our mind can ease the emotional stress and conflict stirring within us, even when we speak it only to a pet. Speaking about dogs, Jerome K. Jerome said  “They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.”  (We all want to be heard!) And Christopher Morley said “No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.”

Pets can teach children responsibility when they get directly involved in the pet’s care. Grooming, feeding and playtime are a few of the daily duties asked of a pet provider. Out of that, good habits can be formed and self esteem elevated. The new caretaker develops a sense of control and purpose, both important in life balance and life purpose.

Pets can be a common source of bonding, often creating fun conversations and activities inconspicuously helping to bring families closer together. They can allow us to forget about the rest of the world for a bit and concentrate solely on having a good time.

Dogs (and some cats) help provide security for the family by giving us visual and auditory alerts when danger or stranger is near. Their barks, yips, growls and yowls can a good deterrent in the face of a threat.

There are many logical reasons for owning a pet. The most important reason may be that we simply love them and enjoy their companionship.

Boyd Harrell, DVM

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3. Top 5 Summer Pet Hazards