Opening the doors of your life to a pet brings multiple benefits to your physical and mental health

Leer en español: ¿Cómo prepararse para la llegada de una mascota?

Receiving a pet at home implies the arrival of a new member to the family. For this reason, it is essential to prepare the house and organize what will be its new home. It is important to create the right environment because the coexistence with an animal can improve the quality of life for both children and adults.

What security measures should you take?

• If you live in a multi-story building or house, it is important to close the windows and access to balconies.
• Buy a safety fence for children and put it on the stairs, the puppies can lose their balance easily.
• The cables and sockets have to be covered, especially for rabbits that tend to bite all at any stage of their life.
• Kitchen utensils such as knives, glasses or glass plates should be kept away. Curiosity, especially in cats, can cause accidents.
• Take away the decorative elements that can break or damage.
• If you have a pool or a large amount of water storage, cover it.
• Keep cleaning supplies in a safe place, they can be toxic.
• Cover the rubbish to prevent them from trying to eat what is in there, dogs usually sniff everything.
• Beware of plants and medicines, some can be deadly.

What basic elements do you need?

• Bed or comfortable place for your new furry friend to sleep in
• The right food
• Feeders, preferred in stainless steel or ceramic
• Toys
• Collar with their name and ca ontact number
• House or transporter bag

What benefits does it bring for mental health?

• Provides company at all times and thus avoid the feeling of loneliness.
• Provides a feeling of security and protection, by relating it to the company.
• Increases the sense of responsibility and understanding, because it is a helpless being who needs all your care.
• Allows children to learn to share, a pet is the best playmate.
• In the family, the bonds between the members are strengthened, since the ideal is to split the tasks and share with the newcomer.
• With a pet you need to be more organized. You  need time for your and its needs
• Reduces stress levels thanks to games.
• It helps fight anxiety and depression, through emotional ties.
• Improves sociability.

These last three benefits are also related to the physical activity that involves having a pet. On a daily basis, you will not only exercise and release endorphins, but you will also have the opportunity to meet other people who also share their lives with an animal.

What benefits does it bring to physical health?

• Reduces blood pressure, thanks to caresses.
• Enables longevity
• Strengthens the immune system, which prevents the appearance of allergies and diseases
• Decreases cardiac risk by the walks you should give your pet.

The various advantages will be better exploited if in the house there are the necessary security measures for their coupling, and all that is necessary for the pet to be healthy and happy.

After having everything ready you will be prepared to enjoy the company of an unconditional friend!

Latin American Post | Grecia Arias

Translated from "¿Cómo prepararse para la llegada de una mascota?"