How Pet Affects Mental Health
February 25, 2024

More than 40% of the British population own a pet. In addition to the companionship they provide, there is scientific proof that pets improve your mental health. Interacting with pets has been linked to a decrease in cortisol (the stress-releasing hormone). Pets provide soothing relief for mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression. If you’re feeling lonely or struggling with social anxiety, getting a pet might help boost your mood.

So how do pets affect mental health?

  • Pets provide a social connection: It is the most evolved way to regulate your nervous system. Hugging or stroking a loving animal can help to release stress and ease depression. Even feeding a bird in your garden can substantially boost your mood. If you want a furry friend to snuggle with, you can get a dog or a rabbit.
  • Pets help us build healthy habits: Owning a pet comes with responsibilities. For example, if you have dogs, you need to wake up early to feed them and even take them for a walk sometimes. This routine can help you cultivate the healthy habits of waking up early, socializing, and exercising. Most importantly, strolling is a form of exercise. And when we exercise more, we release neurochemicals that improve our mood and boost our mental health.
  • Pets help protect children against anxiety: It is no longer news that playing and snuggling with pets reduces the level of stress-related hormones and, in turn, increases the level of serotonin and dopamine. That’s why pets are helpful for anxiety sufferers. According to research, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) with dogs promotes children’s behavior and emotional competence. Most children love to interact with pets more than how they interact with humans. In fact, exposure to pet dogs can help prevent mental health problems during adolescence or later life.
  • Pets make us feel needed: Pets are loyal and loving animals. They provide unconditional love that makes you feel wanted. For example, most dogs have evolved to become attuned to human emotions and behavior. They understand human needs and make you feel less lonely. The fact that they are dependent on you is reassuring of your essence in their lives. Most importantly, pets provide unconditional companionship.
  • Interacting with pets boosts self-confidence: It can help you practice social skills. According to a study conducted by Miami University, pet owners had a high level of self-esteem and were “less fearful and preoccupied.” 75 percent of pet owners have reported an improvement in a friend or family member’s mental health because of the pets in their lives.
  • Pets provide joy:: Just by being themselves, pets provide happiness to humans. Pets like dogs and cats can be very playful. These abilities of theirs can make your time with them fun. Spending quality time with pets brings joy and happiness. For example, dogs are not only intuitive but are also non-judgmental.

So there you have it— how pets affect mental health. If you want to enjoy these benefits, get a pet today!