Pets offer a number of significant health advantages. Here are some ways that taking care of a dog, cat, or other animal can help you deal with stress, despair, and anxiety.
The benefits of pet ownership
The majority of pet owners are aware of the instant benefits that come from having companion animals in their lives. Though many of us are still unaware of them, cuddling with a furry buddy can also have positive effects on our physical and emotional health. Only recently have studies started to look into the advantages of the link between humans and animals from a scientific standpoint.
Animals have evolved to be highly sensitive to us, our behavior, and our emotions. Dogs can comprehend many of the words we speak, for instance, but they are much more adept at reading our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. A devoted dog will also look into your eyes, just like a good human friend would, to assess your mental condition and attempt to comprehend what you are thinking and feeling (as well as to figure out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course).
Pets, especially dogs and cats, help soothe loneliness, lower stress, anxiety, and depression, promote play and exercise, and even enhance cardiovascular health. Children who take care of an animal tend to be more secure and active as they age. Pets are a vital source of companionship for senior citizens. But maybe most importantly, having a pet in your life can provide you true happiness and unwavering love.
It’s not just cats and dogs
While it is true that persons who own pets frequently benefit from better health than those who do not, a pet need not be a dog or a cat. If you want a cuddly pet to cuddle with but are allergic to other animals or have a small living area, a rabbit can be the perfect choice. If you’re an older adult, birds can promote social contact and assist you maintain mental acuity. Reptiles like snakes, lizards, and others can be fascinating company. Even looking at aquarium fish can ease stress in your muscles and slow your heart rate.
Studies have shown that:
- When compared to people without pets, pet owners are less likely to experience depression.
- When under stress, pet owners’ blood pressure is lower than that of non-pet owners.
- According to one study, adopting a dog from a shelter resulted in a significant drop in blood pressure within five months for those with borderline hypertension.
- Serotonin and dopamine, which are calming and relaxing chemicals, can be increased by playing with a dog, cat, or other pet.
- Compared to people without dogs, pet owners have reduced triglyceride and cholesterol levels, two signs of heart disease.
- Compared to people without pets, pet owners over 65 visit their doctor 30% less frequently.
- The fact that dogs satisfy the fundamental human need for contact is one of the causes of these therapeutic effects. After engaging with pets, even seasoned offenders in prison exhibit long-lasting behavioral changes, with many of them exhibiting mutual affection for the first time.
- When you’re nervous or anxious, petting, caressing, or otherwise interacting with a loving animal will quickly relax and calm you down. The company of a pet can also help to alleviate loneliness, and the majority of dogs are wonderful stimuli for healthy exercise, which can significantly improve mood and alleviate sadness.
Pets can improve your lifestyle
Making positive changes to one’s lifestyle can significantly reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder, PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression. You can improve your lifestyle for the better by taking care of a pet by:
More exercise. A pleasant and satisfying approach to fit regular, healthful activity into your schedule is to walk, hike, or run with your dog. According to studies, dog owners are much more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise each day. Daily activity is also beneficial to the dog. It will strengthen your bond, eliminate the majority of canine behavior issues, and keep your companion fit and healthy.
Offering company. While loneliness and isolation can lead to depressive symptoms, companionship can prolong life and help avoid sickness. In particular if you live alone, taking care of an animal can help you feel desired and wanted and divert attention from your difficulties. Most dog and cat owners converse with their pets; some even utilize them as a means of stress relief. Coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat is the best antidote to loneliness.
Helping you meet people. Pets can help owners develop and keep new friendships by acting as a fantastic social lubricant. On walks, treks, or in a dog park, dog owners often pause and engage in conversation. Pet owners can socialize with others.
Lessening anxiety. People who are worried about venturing out into the world can find comfort, relief from their worry, and self-confidence in an animal’s company. Pets can help you become more attentive and appreciate the delight of the present because they frequently live in the moment and don’t worry about the past or the future.
Building a daily routine. Dogs in particular need a regular feeding and exercise routine. A steady pattern helps maintain an animal calm and balanced, and it may do the same for you. One pleading look from your pet will force you to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and otherwise take care of them, regardless of your state of mind—depressed, anxious, or agitated. Make them a part of your healthy lifestyle and get them involved in your new exercise routine.
Reducing the effects of sensory stress. Two healthy ways to reduce stress rapidly are touch and exercise. Your blood pressure can be lowered and you can become instantly calmer and less worried by petting a dog, cat, or other animal. Take your shoes off and walk on the grass with your dog and experience the benefits of walking barefoot on grass.
What if you don’t own a pet?
There are still methods to benefit from being near animals if you don’t have the time, money, or resources to keep a pet full-time. Spending even little amounts of time with a dog or cat can be beneficial to both you and the pet.
For instance, you could offer to volunteer at an animal shelter or ask to walk a neighbor’s dog. Volunteers are usually welcome to assist with the care of homeless animals or at adoption events at animal shelters or rescue organizations. You’ll benefit not just yourself but also the animals, who will become more adoptable as a result of your efforts to socialize and exercise them.
Pet “rental” services are offered by several animal shelters and rescue organizations. Adoptable canines and felines can be taken on walks or to playdates. Additionally, you can temporarily foster a pet until a permanent home is found for him or to determine whether the animal is a good fit for you.
Specially trained therapy dogs and cats are made available by numerous groups to visit children’s hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs, shelters, and schools. People are encouraged to pet and stroke the animals during these outings, which helps elevate mood and lessen tension and anxiety.
