There have been multiple studies to show the mental and physical health benefits of pets. It has even been found that simply being around a dog or petting it can boost your mood and make you feel better. That’s one reason why pet therapy has become so popular across the country.
If you have a pet at home, you probably have no problem singing their praises. Pet owners often treat their furry friends like family, and see the wonderful benefits they can provide. But, it’s more than just that good, loving feeling you get after arriving home after a long day at work. It’s more than those sloppy kisses that make you laugh or the warm cuddles in the rocking chair.
Whether you currently have an animal or not, it’s important to know how “pet power” works, and how animals truly make us better. (I will refer to cats/dogs in this article, but the same concepts can be applied to birds, reptiles, horses, or other pets).
Pets Reduce Stress
Perhaps the most widely accepted benefit of pets is their ability to reduce stress. You probably already know this, though you might not always realize it.
How much better do you feel after spending some time with your dog or cat? If you did have a hard day, how quickly can your pet turn it around for you? It’s not just a coincidence.
Studies have shown that not only can being around an animal reduce stress, but it can lower blood pressure and also ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression. They decrease the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) your body produces, making it easier to calm down quickly. Their fun-loving and pleasant demeanor helps “co-regulate” our nervous system to more closely match theirs.
If you have a mental health condition, spending more time with your pet may make it easier to manage your symptoms.
They Ease Feelings of Loneliness
No one likes to feel lonely. But, it’s a bigger problem than most people realize. If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, it’s how much loneliness and isolation can take a toll on your mental health. Isolation often leads to
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Increased risk of heart problems and stroke
- Greater mortality rate
A pet is a constant, loving companion. No, they can’t talk back or offer advice. But, they do offer unconditional love, attention, and care. People who are prone to feeling lonely can greatly benefit from the presence of a pet.
They Make You Feel Needed
Another way pets make us better is by boosting our self-esteem. Without your care and attention, your pet wouldn’t survive. They need you so they can have food, shelter, exercise, and love.
Feeling needed is hugely important for some people. It gives them a purpose and keeps them motivated to keep moving forward. If that sounds like you, invest as much time into caring for your pet as possible, knowing that it is benefitting you both.
Doing so can boost your self-esteem and sense of self-worth. It can also make you less fearful and more willing to get out and socialize (on those walks in the neighborhood or trip to the dog park).
You’ll Stay in the Moment
Pets typically live a moment-to-moment lifestyle. People don’t often have that luxury, especially if you’re anxious.
Mindfulness has become very popular in recent years. It’s the practice of consciously staying in the present moment and appreciating it fully. When you’re with your pet, you don’t have a choice but to be mindful.
For example, your dog isn’t walking on their leash thinking about the time they got scolded a few days ago. They’re focusing on the things around them and how they feel in that moment. They can be a great role model for you if you’re struggling with it.
There are so many additional ways in which pets make us better. Do some research of your own, and if you don’t have one already – it might be time to bring a four-legged friend home. But even if pet ownership is not right for you, consider spending time around animals in nature or when you have an opportunity to. (When I was in college and couldn’t have a pet in my apartment, I would sometimes just go the the pet store to see and interact with them for a short while). Even brief interactions with animals can be beneficial.
