photo credit: Peyton Johnson
In a world where everyone is constantly busy, whether they are on electronics, working or studying, people can find solace in a lot of things. One of those things can be pets, and they are actually important for people’s health.
According to the University of Georgia, loneliness can increase risks in physical diseases, such as heart disease. This brings up the importance of having a pet.
One student, junior Marley Abood, has a lot of pets.
“I have four dogs, a cat, a chinchilla and fish. I’ve grown up with my dogs and cat and my chinchilla and fish I got in recent years. Right now, I’m planning on getting a milk snake once I have room,” Abood said.
Abood really enjoys having pets, and she finds it super beneficial. Another student, senior Peyton Johnson, has two dogs that she loves.
“I have an English bulldog and a golden-doodle. I love that both of my dogs are super affectionate and that they never bark,” Johnson said.
Clearly, both these students love their pets. However, there are definitely challenges when it comes to pets. Especially with Abood, who has very unique pets.
“Extra care for my pets involves a lot of baths and brushing. Also specific food for each individual pets’ needs,” Abood said.
Having pets involves a lot of extra time and money, which can present difficulties for owners. Johnson also has challenges with her pets, although dogs are very typical pets.
“My English bulldog requires a lot of vet visits due to a lot of the infections bulldogs are prone to, but the golden-doodle is really simple with normal vet visits and grooming,” Johnson said.
There are obviously many challenges and difficulties, or disadvantages that go along with having pets. However, the mental benefits are prevalent too.
According to the University of Georgia, “The general consensus is that pets make people healthier and happier.”
This is very true for Abood, who has almost all positive feedback on having pets. She reflected on the positive benefits.
“There are so many benefits, like having lifelong buddies,” Abood said.
In regards to negative effects, she didn’t have much to say.
“The only negative effect is wanting more,” Abood said.
To touch back on loneliness, many people find companionship in pets. Being lonely can have very negative impacts on people’s lives, and the importance of pets in this dilemma is very significant.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, pets provide companionship and can give people a sense of security. They also pointed out that having a pet can reduce anxiety and help the owner meet new people.
Obviously, pets are helping slowly decrease loneliness and are therefore helping reduce physical health risks.
The article also pointed out how pets can help children with autism. Pets can help these kids build confidence and social skills, which directly translates to the real world.
While discussing mental health, Johnson said her dogs have helped her so much.
“I definitely think that having dogs benefits me mentally. When I’m having a rough day, I really enjoy going home and getting to spend my down time with them,” Johnson said.
Again, this sense of companionship can truly help people. For example, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 80 percent of people turn to their pets when they feel lonely.
They also found that one in five pet owners in America were recommended to have a pet by a therapist or doctor. Pets really do help mold and affect how people feel, act and behave. These benefits are so extremely impactful to society.
“The benefits of having two dogs is definitely always having ‘someone’ with me. I’m never truly home alone, and I spend a lot of time with them,” Johnson said.
If pets continue to support people and carry them through hard times, this could save lives. According to the World Health Organization, loneliness is responsible for up to 100 deaths an hour, and more than 871,000 deaths each year.
So, pets aren’t just making people happier. They’re literally saving lives. By reducing anxiety, helping the building of confidence, and more, pets have had such a positive impact in the world. But when they help reduce loneliness, something that kills many people every year, it just shows how much pets are doing for people.
Pets truly hold a special place, not only in hearts but also in minds.
