Published in 2016 in the BMC Psychiatry magazine study "OnTological Security and Connectivity Provided by Pets: A Study In The Self-Management of The Everyday Lives of People Diagnosed with A Long-Term Mental Health Condition" claims that pets really reduce the stress of the owner And help him control emotions - what is needed on quarantine, the deadline for which is still unclear. However, is it worth making such a serious decision based on the fact alone? I decided to consider all sides of the question and share reasoning with you.
Meeting new people
In the course of the study "The Pet Factor - Companion Animals As A Conduit for Getting to Know People, Friendship Formation and Social Support", specialists conducted a sociological survey with the aim of finding out how influenced the decision to make a pet for the number of owners' contacts with neighbors and other people. "About 40% of pet owners reported receipt of one or more types of social support (that is, emotional, information, appreciable, instrumental) from the people they met through their pets," the authors write in the conclusion of work. Thus, for the elderly or those who are difficult to communicate with others, it will be easier to find new acquaintances with whom they will be able to walk their dogs together.
Each animal need education
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Maintain physical form
If you are going to get a dog, we must understand that walking with it will have twice a day. We adequately appreciate whether you have time for this, especially since for the period of quarantine you will have to expose yourself to an extra risk because of walks with animals. At the same time, regular walks have a positive effect on immunity and maintain physical form. Think how you will be more comfortable - it is possible that it is better to start a small pet, with which you do not have to go out. And the children will be easier to take care of him, so your help will not need.
Additional stress
Although studies talk about the positive impact of finding a pet for the mental health of a person, they still do not take into account several details. First, a puppy, kitten and any other beast, who is not older than a couple of months will adapt to your home and for some time. They can "cry" at night, walk to the toilet anywhere, nibble wires and shoes due to the cutting teeth. This is literally another child you need to educate and about whom you need to take care of all his life. Especially attentive need to be with dogs: now invite a trainer for classes with a puppy you will not work, so it may be better to postpone this decision.