Wednesday Wisdom: Pet Owners Live Longer Than Non-Pet Owners

February 20, 2019
Pet Owners Live Longer

Wednesday Wisdom: Pet Owners Live Longer Than Non-Pet Owners

Today is Love Your Pet Day. Pet owners are encouraged to share their experience with owning and loving a pet, and the joy the pet brings to their life. We recently wrote a post about humans loving baby animals for being small and cute; much like most pets are smaller than humans. Does anyone here have a giant mountain dog? Continue reading for the role that pets play in our lives.

The Benefits of Living with Pets

There are many reasons that people choose to get a pet. Pets help people to feel less lonely. They provide love, attention, and affection to most of their owners. When a person feels loved, they release dopamine in their brain. Dopamine acts as a feel-good chemical and makes people believe they are safe. This is why people feel better after they kiss, hug, or cuddle. Cuddling with your pet can help you feel safe. There is no doubt that a human and animals share a special bond through touch, for the obvious reason that is the only way to communicate.

There are many benefits to owning a pet. Studies have shown that people who own pets tend to be happier, live longer, recuperate faster, and be healthier. Having a dog may increase activity levels because they need exercise, and most require a daily walk.

The Role of Pets Used in Therapy

Some therapy animals help patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Some pets can help those with a handicap, such as a seeing-eye dog. Some parents have decided to get a dog or cat to help autistic or shy children assimilate, socialize, or reduce anxieties.

Some animals can receive therapy training and can recognize the signs of someone having a panic attack. Touching or petting a soft animal helps to reduce stress, to lower blood pressure, and reduce the heart rate. Sometimes our bodies try to sync up to the heart rate of our pet, and this can also cause anxiety to decrease, and the body to become more relaxed.

Top Pets

  1. Dog
  2. Cat
  3. Bird
  4. Hamster
  5. Rabbit
  6. Guinea Pig
  7. Snake
  8. Fish
  9. Chinchilla
  10. Rat
  11. Mouse
  12. Salamander
  13. Lizard
  14. Frog

Fun Facts About Our Top Pets

Fun Facts About Dogs
  • Puppies have 28 teeth, and normal adult dogs have 42.
  • Dalmatian puppies are pure white when they are born and develop their spots as they grow older.
  • The normal temperature for dogs is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • 36.5% of U.S. households own a dog.
  • A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 – 1000,000 times more acute than that of humans.
Fun Facts About Cats
  • A group of cats is called a “Clowder”.
  • Cats make about 100 different sounds. Dogs only make about 10.
  • On average cats spend 2/3 of the day sleeping.
  • 30.4% of U.S. households own a cat.
  • A cat’s jaw can’t move sideways.
Fun Facts About Birds
  • There are around 10,000 species of birds throughout the world.
  • Birds have hollow bones.
  • The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest living bird in the world with a length of just 2-inches.
  • Ostriches have the largest eyes of any land animal.
  • Hummingbirds can fly backward.
Fun Facts About Hamsters
  • Hamsters are naturally nocturnal.
  • Hamsters’ teeth are always growing. They require chew toys, sticks, or chews to help keep them worn down.
  • With proper care, hamsters can live to be 2-3 years old.
  • Hamsters like fruits and veggies, which should only be about 10% of their total diet.
  • Hamsters love to burrow in their bedding.
Fun Facts about Rabbits
  • Baby rabbits are called “kits”, while mature females are known as does, and adult males are called bucks.
  • Female rabbits can give birth to about 12 kits at a time.
  • Their vision covers nearly 360 degrees, which allows them to see what’s coming from behind them, above them, and from the sides without turning their heads. They do have a small blind spot which is directly in front of their faces.
  • Rabbits can turn their ears 180 degrees.
  • Rabbits are social creatures and are happiest in the company of their species.

Soma Family’s Pets

Check out the photos of our lovable pets from Soma employees. Research proves that even looking at animals reduces stress and makes people feel happier. Do you have a favorite Soma pet? Which Soma pet is the absolute cutest you have ever seen? Comment below to let us know which photos you love!

Biscuit

Our Midwestern Sales Director Colby, and Wallace (Assistant to the Sales Director)

 

Rosie

 

Abby

Effie

Angus

Evie

Buddy

Gracie

Lucky

Tiny

Final Thoughts

Do you have a pet? Did you grow up around pets, or did you get one when you became an adult? Did you know that pet owners live longer than non-pet owners? Comment what the name of your pet and pet type. Maybe, even write about a time that a pet helped you out!

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