It’s a truism of modern life — some would even call it a cliche — that the internet abounds in funny, cute cat videos (as well as the opportunity to argue with strangers). But did you know that our obsession with recording cats’ antics, and even dressing them up in silly costumes, is over a century old? In fact, the earliest known cat video was shot by none other than inventor extraordinaire Thomas Edison way back in 1894.

Watching adorable animals at play and at rest is a surefire cure for a stressy day. Of course, it’s even better if those animals are your very own companions — and pet ownership comes with other tangible benefits to both your physical and your emotional health. Want to find out what those benefits are? Join us as we learn how being a fur-parent can help you live your very best life.

Photo by Chris Benson on Unsplash

Pets Reduce Stress

If you’ve had pets before, you know how soothing it can be to smooth a cat’s coat or a dog’s fluffy fur under your hand after a hard day at work. And science will back you up: interacting with other species has been proven to lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, help improve your mood, and to reduce your feelings of loneliness.

Dogs are increasingly being used on a slightly larger scale to help combat stress and anxiety. Canine visitors make the rounds at some children’s hospitals to calm young patients, universities offer puppy snuggle sessions during exam weeks, and therapy pups have shown great promise helping veterans with PTSD manage their symptoms.

These Dogs Were Made for Walkin’

Some people think that the bad news about dog ownership is that it will force you to get out for at least a brief walk every day. The good news? Dog ownership will force you to get out for at least a brief walk every day! People who own dogs (or, presumably, cats who enjoy taking walks) are some 54% more likely than their petless counterparts to get the recommended daily amount of exercise.

According to the Mayo Clinic, moving your body for a bare minimum of 10 minutes per day may offer tangible benefits such as preventing diabetes, strengthening your bones, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and improving your posture.

And it’s not just the workout aspect of walking the dog that boosts your health, either; Harvard Health says that getting out into the fresh air can provide you with a Vitamin D dose, improve your concentration, cheer you up, and even help your body heal faster after surgery.

Animals Support Your Social Game

The crazy cat lady, alone except for her fourteen felines. The troubled, brooding loner whose only friend is his faithful golden lab. We have these stereotypes of people who choose animals for companionship rather than interacting with their fellow humans, but in fact people with pets might be even more sociable than non-pet owners.

After all, we all know that taking a darling little dog to the park, or even just on a walk around the block, can be a total chick (or dude) magnet, right? An article in the Public Library of Science’s journal One found that pet owners are 40% more apt to make and keep human friends than those who don’t have animals.

When It Comes to Pets and Your Health, There Are So Many Benefits

These perks of pet parenthood are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you own a dog, a cat, a rat, a potbellied pig, a bunny, or a snake, sharing your home with an animal can help you keep your cholesterol low, stay healthy after a heart attack, recover from addiction, manage ADHD, and much more.

Of course, you’ll need to return the favor and keep your pooch healthy, too — before adopting, secure the services of a good veterinarian. If you know your new fur baby has health issues, visit https://cannabidog.com/ to find out if CBD oil for dogs might be a good idea.

Together, the two of you will support one another, love each other unconditionally, and learn how to live your best lives!