Can Pets Make You More Successful? 7 Ways Our Furry Friends Brighten Our Lives!

Attention animal lovers! It's no secret to you that your pets make your life better, but did you know that your furry friends can actually make you more successful? Surveys have found that 87% of dog owners found owning a dog made them a better version of themselves. And this isn't just limited to dogs. Cat owners, rabbit owners, snake owners, and more can all reap the benefits of having a beloved pet in the family!

The question is how they do it, and the answers are numerous. In today's blog, let's break down 7 ways that our pets brighten our lives and make us more successful.

#1 - Good Health

Pets can motivate you to be healthier in ways that you might struggle to motivate yourself. Maybe you don't feel like getting out of bed and going for a walk, but if your dog needs a walk, you have more impetus to do so. But that motivation isn't the only benefit of having a pet. Pets can reduce stress and improve heart health as well. It's nice to know that while you're trying to keep your beloved pet healthy, they're also helping to keep you healthy!

#2 - Social Skills

Some studies have shown that pets can help children improve social and emotional learning. They can also give adults much needed socialization where they might not have it otherwise. We know that our pets have their own thoughts, feelings, and needs, but they can't communicate with us simply by telling us in the same language. Pet owners have to learn to understand their pets, which can boost a sense of empathy.

Think about when you first get a new cat. That cat might hide from you for a few days or be afraid to be approached, especially if they came from a difficult situation before coming to you. But if you're patient and understanding and let the cat come to you, you can form a strong bond with them. These kind of skills can serve you well throughout social interactions.

#3 - Routine Development

Have you been struggling to find and develop a routine that works for you? The thing about pets is that they crave routine. They need to have set expectations for the day: that they'll be fed at a certain time, that they'll get to go outside at a certain time, that they'll get a certain amount of play time. When you have a pet, you may have to shape your day around them. So why not follow that through and create a routine for the day that includes your pet's needs?

#4 - Improved Mood

Is there anything better than cuddling on the couch with a beloved pet, or seeing them run up to you when you come home from work, or watching them roll around and be silly when they're happy? It's no wonder that pets can be a major mood booster. As we've discussed, pets help to lower stress levels and boost your social skills. Research shows that those who have pets tend to be more social in general, too. It can be easy to connect with others over your pets or to start talking to someone while you're at the dog park. These things can all help to make your mood better overall.

#5 - Increased Motivation

Pets can be a great motivator, whether it's motivation to get your steps in or to power through work so you can buy them a big bag of food at the end of the day. We want to make our pets happy, and some of that desire to improve the lives of our pets can cross over into self-improvement. So the next time your dog is whining at the door to go outside, make sure to thank them for the nudge!

#6 - Sense of Responsibility

Pets are a responsibility. They have to be loved and cared for, and they're not something you can just pick up and put down again when you feel like it. Caring for a pet can be a great way to learn and teach responsibility. Parents may assign pet chores to their kids in order to teach responsibility, but pets can also help instill that discipline in adults.

#7 - Unconditional Love and Companionship

There's nothing quite like the love and companionship you get from a pet. No matter how much you grow and change, your pet's love for you stays the same. that companionship can be a valuable aspect to your life. No matter how long your pet is in your life, you'll always be able to remember your happy memories with them.

So give your pet a big hug and lots of love to thank them for all they do for you! And for more bits of motivation and upbeat insights, check out the rest of Motivation Depot's blog!