How Being Kind to Animals Can Lead to More Happiness

I don’t want to sound too religious or spiritual here, but I believe that when God commanded Adam to have dominion over animals, He meant leading them from a place of love. Whether or not you own a pet, you probably realize that animals have feelings, too, especially intelligent ones like dogs and cats. Just like humans, our pets have the ability to feel delight, happiness, fear, and depression. When I was in secondary school, I remember having a cat who died a few days after my siblings and I went away for vacation. My mom told us that he stopped eating, acted sad and depressed, and eventually dying from heartache. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true. Our pets have the capacity to love, even if scientists tell us that’s it’s simply out of instinct. That doesn’t give us the right to neglect them, though. When we show kindness to our pets or to animals in general, there is something inside of us that is changed – we tend to become happier individuals.

Being Kind to Animals Treats Depression

Several studies have proven that keeping animals around can help reduce tension. Along with proper treatment, pets like cats and dogs can help people who suffer from mild to moderate depression. One of the ways pet can help with depression is through touch. We all know that a touch is very powerful. According to studies, hugging your pet is as effective in improving the mood as getting a 45-minute massage. So when you’re feeling down and blue, try cuddling close to our pet to lighten up your disposition.

Playing With Pets Can Promote Relaxation

Study shows that keeping pets around can promote the production of dopamine and serotonin in the body. Both are neurotransmitters that are responsible for improving focus and boosting the mood. Every time you’re stroking your pet cat or dog, you are encouraging an increase in dopamine and serotonin levels. This creates a feeling of relaxation, as well as a feeling of being inspired and focused.

Caring for Animals Help Lower Blood Pressure

People who keep dogs or cats as pets have been found to have lower blood pressure during stressful situations than people who don’t own pets at all. This time, the credit goes to oxytocin, a hormone that helps reduce stress, slows down heart rates, and lowers blood pressure. According to studies, hugging your pets is an excellent way to flood your body with this hormone.

Owning a Pet Can Increase Your Chance of Surviving a Heart Attack

Not only does owning a pet reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack, it also increases your chance for surviving in case you suffer from one. This can be explained by the fact that cardiovascular events are usually triggered by psychological stress and anxiety, and that keeping a pet significantly lowers stress levels.

Showing Kindness to Animals Prolongs Your Life

Considering how being kind to animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and minimize your chances of having heart problems, it’s not a surprise that showing kindness to animals (whether they are your pets or not) can help add years to your life.

Pets offer unconditional love, loyalty, laughter, and companionship. Show kindness to a pet today and enjoy all the health-boosting benefits it brings.