How pets help us through the pandemic

Throughout history, animals have served humans in a variety of ways. They have carried us from place to place, they have helped provide our food, and they have provided us with companionship and affection. During the recent pandemic, we’ve come to rely on our animals and understand pet benefits improve our lives. 

During the recent pandemic, pet-owners worldwide have found themselves unable to socialize with friends and family. While the company of dogs and cats isn’t quite the same thing, it’s a reasonable substitute. Pets can provide a form of emotional support that we don’t expect from other human beings. If you’re feeling glum, the family dog might well sense it and come to say hello.

Many of us will have been feeling a little down in the dumps over the past year. For these people, the pet benefits of providing this kind of emotional support can be invaluable in staving off the symptoms of depression.

The pet benefits of walking

If you’re the dog owner, then emotional support isn’t the only benefit you’re getting. A dog will impose a duty on you: you’ll need to take it for a walk every day — and if you fail to meet this commitment, you can be fairly sure that you’ll hear from your dog.

Having a fixed routine can be hugely beneficial if you’re feeling lost in time, without a workplace to go to, or social commitments in the evening. It’ll keep your sleep schedule constant, and it’ll help keep you productive and energized.

Of course, going for daily walks also confers a more direct benefit — it’ll help you meet your exercise obligations. You’ll be more likely to stay in shape, less likely to suffer from certain sorts of disease, and you’ll feel better, too. As they say: if the benefits of exercise came in the form of a pill, the manufacturer would be the wealthiest on earth.

Of course, walking the dog can also get in the way of life. According to polling by fast turnaround banner printing specialists instantprint,  21.6% of workers walk the dog when they should actually be working from home!

The benefits of talking

As we’ve learned over the course of multiple lockdowns, it’s good to talk. That doesn’t just mean occasionally picking the phone up to shoot the breeze with friends and family: it also means being able to express yourself out loud.

Having a pet to talk to can fill a gap quite nicely: while they might not be able to talk back, they’re able to listen — and they won’t interrupt you.

As most pet owners will attest, saying hello to the dog or cat is a thing worth doing — even if you know they can’t understand you.

Dogs and cats can also provide the pet benefits of physical affection in return. Stroking the dog or having the cat curl up on your lap while you’re watching Netflix can do wonders for your mood!

Is it better to have two dogs?