Humans are naturally drawn to companionship. We have evolved to be social animals, and no matter how much we find ourselves immersed in our work, hobbies, or other activities, we always need someone to share it with. This is one of the many reasons why a large number of people want to own pets.
This is especially true of people who live alone or who do not have many friends. In fact, the desire for a pet is often stronger than the desire for a romantic partner. Many first time dog owners are just as likely to say that their pet becomes a “significant other” as they are to say that their human partner is.
You might have heard that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and ease feelings of loneliness. But did you know that pet owners are less likely to develop heart disease or suffer from depression? Animals can be reassuring companions and can augment social support networks, especially for people who live alone.
With so many health benefits, it’s not surprising that pet ownership is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the United States. A new study shows that 60% of pet owners are female. Women make up a more significant percentage of pet owners than men. The most popular pets among women are cats, dogs, birds, and fish.
If you are thinking about getting a new pet, or if you already own one, here are some reasons why you should consider making your pet a part of your life.
1. Women Who Own Pets are More Active
Owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. From having to walk the dog every day to buying the right type of food for them, a lot of effort is needed to keep that furry friend alive. But does all that hard work have an unseen benefit for us pet owners?
Although pets can be expensive and time-consuming to care for, owning a pet can mean living a longer and healthier life. A recent study by the cross-sectional Child Heart and Health Study in England has linked pet ownership (specifically dogs) to increased activity in men, women, and children.
The results showed that pet owners had a significantly lower average weight than women who did not own pets. Women who owned pets were also more active than those who did not, even after adjusting for factors such as age, race, and education. (And yes, the researchers also made sure to take into account the fact that women who owned pets tended to be slightly wealthier than those who did not.)
2. Pets are Great Stress Relievers
If you’re a woman, you’re probably more stressed out than you should be. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 84% of adults reported feeling at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress. And while there are some things you can do to reduce your stress levels, such as getting a massage or spending more time with friends, they’re temporary fixes. There are other things you can do, however, that are more long-term solutions. One of the best solutions is a pet.
Women are twice as likely to develop depression than men due to their demanding jobs and other duties. Pets can help lower blood pressure and elevate beneficial hormones to help women stay positive.
When you’re under stress, it often feels like nothing will make you feel better. However, as someone who owns a pet, you know that bringing a dog or cat into your home is a great way to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. The scientific term for this is “pet effect,” which refers to the positive influence that pets have on their owners’ physical and mental health.
Many other studies have shown that people who own pets have lower stress levels and increased happiness. In fact, pet ownership has also been linked to lower blood pressure, better overall health, and a longer lifespan.
3. Pets Help Improve Your Social Life
Did you know that pet owners have better social skills? That’s right! The reason for this is because animals have a very specific way of communicating, and because we are fundamentally social beings, we acquire those ‘skills’ through pet ownership, very similar to how we learn to interact with other people.
Dogs improve social life as a result of their friendly nature. They help people to overcome barriers and are even more likely to approach a stranger with a dog.
Whether you’re a single woman, a busy mom, or an occupied executive, pets can help you build social relationships. If you’re an introvert, pets can help you engage with others more easily. Even if you’re an extrovert in a world where your time is limited, having a pet that requires care, attention and affection can be a huge help. Although having a pet can help you meet new people and make friends, you may not realize how much your pet can help you stay connected with your wider community. You can start by volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue group.
4. Pets Help Nurture Maternal Instincts
For many pet owners, having a pup, kitty, bunny, or any other creature to care for is almost just as important as having a significant other or family. While pet ownership doesn’t replace human relationships, having an animal to love and care for can be very fulfilling. Women have a maternal instinct that makes them want to care for something, and having pets (or children) can be a great way to do just that.
Most women would agree that caring for a pet brings out their maternal instincts. Women are biologically wired to nurture, and when a pet enters their lives, it’s quite likely that they will care for it as if it were their own child. Pets can help women prepare for motherhood by awakening their caregiving needs. Moreover, pet ownership includes additional responsibilities, such as establishing a routine, making decisions, compromising with a spouse/partner, and much more.
5. Pets Can Help with Loneliness
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, health officials are encouraging people to practice social distancing by staying home as much as possible. While these measures are key to protecting our communities, they may cause many people to feel isolated and lonely.
While maintaining personal relationships is challenging in these difficult times, adding a new pet to your household has never been more rewarding.
If you are a woman living alone, the idea of owning a pet may seem like a total luxury. Studies show that women are more likely than men to seek the companionship of a pet.
Most people know that pets can provide companionship and unconditional love. But did you know that pets can also provide much-needed social support? And even improve your physical and emotional health?
If you suffer from chronic loneliness, pet ownership may be a way to help you find relief. Many pet owners report that their pet has allowed them to feel less isolated and improve their self-esteem. A published survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute found that 80 percent of pet owners said their pets made them feel less lonely. Many other studies also proved that people suffering from chronic loneliness have a much easier time making friends once they own a pet.
6. Pets can provide emotional support
Women experience many emotions throughout life, and hormones such as estrogen are often responsible. In fact, estrogen has been related to mood disruptions that only occur in women. When those inevitable emotions take over our minds, a pet is the perfect companion.
The act of petting a dog or cat has a healing effect on both humans and their furry companions. A pet can provide unconditional love and comfort when you’re facing a challenging situation, such as financial troubles or losing a loved one.
Pets have long been regarded as more than just a part of the family. In recent years, medical research has proven that pets can provide emotional support for women struggling with breast cancer. Several studies have shown that women with breast cancer who have a pet or other loving animal are significantly less depressed, have less anxiety, and cope better with their illness.
Final Thoughts
Everyone knows that pets are great for your health—they make you more active, help you fight depression, and give you unconditional love, after all.
When you think of the benefits of pet ownership, you probably think of the joys of having a furry friend to cuddle with. While that is definitely a major benefit, there are many other reasons why pet ownership is beneficial to women.
Of course, having a companion is one of the most significant advantages, but many researchers have found that owning pets can also improve your health, relieve stress, and even help you make friends.
If you are considering getting a pet, you have many different factors to account for before making the decision. From caring for your new friend to the cost of food, toys, and veterinary services, to the time needed to care for the pet, you should think carefully before you sign on the dotted line.
Finding a trustworthy pet information resource can be difficult. Fortunately, several dedicated sites are always up to date on the latest information on pet care, nutrition, and behavior. The best pet information resources will be updated regularly to incorporate new research.
If you’ve wanted to adopt a pet but just haven’t had the time or money, then you’ll be glad to hear that there are plenty of reasons why you should make time for your furry friend. Whether you’re looking for unconditional love, a sense of purpose, or just a wonderful distraction, there’s a pet for you.