How Pet Ownership Benefits Your Mental Health. Pets are proven to help reduce stress and anxiety, and in many homes they play a vital role in easing loneliness. Dogs in particular have been shown to have a positive effect on your heart health while they’re out walking with you. Studies also show that animals can have significant benefits to your mental health, from childhood all the way through old age. This week, we’re celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week by sharing six ways that pet ownership is good for your mental health:
1. They’re great listeners
It turns out that many people, especially those who have a pet, are confiding in them. According to research conducted by the University of Melbourne, around 50% of adults and 70% of adolescents who own a pet regularly confide in their pet.
2. They can help reduce the effects of depression and loneliness
Pets can help improve mental health, without you even realising it. In particular, walking your dog can potentially help with depression. Walking a canine companion for 30 minutes every day may help alleviate loneliness in people that are feeling socially isolated as a result of their age.
3. They can help with anxiety
When you and your pet spend time together, it can actually help reduce stress-related hormones. In fact, playing with your pet will actually boost our levels of serotonin and dopamine, which relax your nervous system. When you smile, laugh or converse with your pet, this will stimulate the release of happiness hormones in you.
4. They support our overall well being
Studies show that there is a strong connection between human-animal interaction and oxytocin levels in the brain. The combination of increased peace and comfort, along with improved focus and wellbeing can be seen in cases of human-animal interactions.
Many pet owners are discovering that their furry friend can actually increase their mental health. This study from HABRI shows that 74% of pet owners say that owning a pet has improved their mental health, and studies show that humans with pets experience more natural oxytocin levels in their brains. In addition, when dealing with stressful situations or going through difficult times, you’re 67% more likely to feel calm and cope better.
5. They can help children with autism and ADHD
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has shown that pet therapy sessions provide numerous benefits for patients, including improving social functions, decreasing isolation and increasing independence in children with autism.
Similarly, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will benefit from keeping a pet. By taking on the responsibility for feeding, walking, and bathing their pet, they can learn to plan to take charge of their lives. The exercise playing with a pet provides also releases excess energy that helps many ADHD patients feel calmer at night.
Social functions increase, isolation decreases, and independence improves with pet therapy sessions. Children with autism can also benefit by having a pet to help decrease their hyperactivity and focus on taking care of it. Feeding, walking and bathing responsibilities can be taught to a child so that they learn to plan and take care of themselves instead of depending on others for everything. Excess energy from playing creates a sense of calmness at night.
6. They help us in later life
Dogs make a great companion for dementia patients. Recent studies show that dog-assisted therapy can improve mood, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life for people with dementia. In addition, it’s thought that indoor pets may reduce anxiety in those who suffer from Alzheimer’s.
Pets, particularly dogs, are often used as companions for patients in care homes. They help improve mood and improve other areas of a patient’s life, including their social functioning and quality of life. They can also help reduce anxiety in people with dementia. Plus, many residential homes have resident pets or regular visits from animals to keep them entertained and create a calmer atmosphere for residents.
