06 Jan For The Love of Pets & Mental Health

PETS AND MENTAL HEALTH

In times of stress and uncertainty, many people have found comfort and companionship in their pets. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or other companion animal, pets often play a vital role in helping individuals manage emotional challenges and maintain a sense of connection and routine in daily life.

Research suggests that pets can positively impact both emotional and physical health. Simply spending time with animals—such as petting a dog or cat—has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, and boost levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and emotional regulation. These biological responses may explain why pets often help reduce feelings of loneliness, sadness, and anxiety.

Historically, animals have offered companionship and emotional support to humans. Beyond affection, pets can encourage their owners to be more physically active, especially in the case of dogs or horses, which often require outdoor exercise and engagement.

A growing body of research highlights the deep emotional bonds people form with their pets. Studies have shown that individuals who report strong connections with their animals also tend to feel greater emotional support and comfort during challenging times.

In one study, over 90% of participants reported that their pets helped them cope emotionally during difficult periods, and 96% said their pets helped them stay active. These findings reflect a consistent trend: pets can serve as a source of motivation, companionship, and emotional balance.

According to health experts, pet ownership may also offer benefits such as:

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduced cholesterol levels

• Decreased feelings of isolation

• Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities

While pets offer us unconditional support, they also rely on us for care and attention. It’s essential to remember that pet ownership comes with responsibilities, including ensuring access to veterinary care, providing daily exercise, and making time for companionship and play.

Some pet owners worry about how to care for their animals during busy or uncertain periods—especially if they face time constraints, health concerns, or financial difficulties. These concerns highlight the importance of planning and understanding the long-term commitment that comes with adopting a pet.

Owning a pet can give life a sense of structure and purpose. Feeding routines, walks, grooming, and health check-ups can encourage individuals to maintain a daily rhythm and feel needed, which may support overall well-being.

That said, before adopting a pet, individuals should consider whether this step fits their current lifestyle, resources, and emotional readiness. Other approaches to improving mental well-being—like regular physical activity, creative expression, or mindfulness practices—may offer valuable support as well.

Pets can bring warmth, joy, and companionship. They may comfort us in silence, motivate us to get moving, and simply remind us that we’re not alone. But just as they support our mental health, we have a responsibility to protect and care for them in return.

We appreciate having a friend who offers us warmth and comfort via their furry bodies perhaps, but we also have obligations to protect them and provide them with the care they need. Would your consider adopting and caring for another living creature?

References:

English, V. O. A. L. (2020, April 13). Pets, especially dogs, help during quarantine. VOA. https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/dogs-reduce-loneliness-stress/5367802.html.

Figo Pet Insurance. (2021, January 29).How pets are protecting mental health during quarantine https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/how-pets-are-protecting-mental-health-during-quarantine.

May, R. (2021, May 4). Pets are helping us cope during the pandemic-but that may be stressing them out. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/pets-are-helping-us-cope-during-the-pandemic.

Ratschen, E., Shoesmith, E. & Hawkins, R. (2021, May 25). Pets and the pandemic: The impact our animals had on our mental health and Wellbeing. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/pets-and-the-pandemic-the-impact-our-animals-had-on-our-mental-health-an
d-wellbeing-153393.

Reporter, R. P. H. D. (2020, September 30). Pets helped people cope during pandemic: Study. WebMD. https://pets.webmd.com/news/20200930/pets-helped-people-cope-during-pandemic-lockdown-study.

Self-Help Corner

Seek Professional Help

Gift Certificates & Self-Care Package