The Advantages of Animals and Stress Relief

There are many experts who tout the advantages of animals and stress relief. According to science, did you know that the very act of petting a dog or a cat can actually lower your blood pressure?  I have had cats my whole life and I have to say that I agree!  Though my cat is quite moody from time to time, I think the only time I get stressed is when I call her to come to me and she totally ignores me.  So choose your pet wisely.

Aside from the occasional annoyance, animals and stress relief really do go hand in hand.

If you already have a pet you probably already know this. If you have a pet that is increasing your blood pressure because they misbehave, do yourself a favor and take them to a qualified professional and work on their behavior problems.

Don't think that you can't train cats or help them act better either, you can. My cat is living proof!  This type of "intervention" is not just for our canine friends, but for our feline friend as well.

Don't short yourself on the opportunity to have a healthy, loving and peaceful relationship with your pet just because of some bad habits. Don’t be so quick to ship them off; they may just need a little extra attention from you.  If you are willing to invest the time you can train your pet to overcome their bad habits and become a stress free and fun companion. Animals really just want you to love them and with some training most animals will turn into civilized and gentle loving companions for you.

Be certain to take some time to realistically consider your lifestyle and how much time you have to spend with a pet.  Too many would be pet owners do not take these things into consideration and they get a pet that is not a good fit for them or their lifestyle. You do not want to do that. It will make your life and that of your pets very uncomfortable.

Once you adopt a pet they become part of your life, it isn't fair to just get rid of them because it is no longer convenient for you; that would be totally selfish on your part.

Here are some things to consider:

1. If you are a really neat person and can't stand a mess you might be better off with a cat or at least a non-shedding dog breed. But remember, every animal that has hair, including humans, will shed a little it's just a matter of degree.

You may even want to get fish since they obviously won't shed on the carpet or have to have their litter box cleaned though you will need to clean the tank weekly.

2. If you like peace and quiet a cat or a fish may be a good option as well. If you want a dog find a breed that is not overly nervous or "yappy".

3. Consider how much time you spend at home. Animals, especially dogs, are social and they like companionship.

Sometimes getting two dogs may work since they can provide companionship for each other but at the end of the day, your pets want to spend time with you.  Are you up for it?

4. If you are active and like the idea of having an active companion you can take with you on your adventures consider a bigger breed of dog. A golden retriever can be a great companion to take on your hikes or walks. They are also mild mannered and good natured. But, they like to be around you a lot and they do shed.

All in all, if you want to have a pet, make sure that you take your time, ask questions and find the best fit for you. All pets can provide companionship but just like with your human companions you will be more compatible with some than with others.   Remember, you are not only looking for companionship, but a way to relieve stress on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.

Live Fit Live Strong!