The Mood-Boosting Power of Pets

Pets have a number of mental health benefits. Here's how caring for a dog or cat can help you cope with depression, anxiety and stress.

The benefits of pets

Most pet owners are aware of the immediate joys of sharing their life with pets. However, many of us are still unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can accompany the pleasure of pampering a furry friend. Only recently have studies been started to scientifically study the benefits of the link between humans and animals.

Pets have evolved to adapt perfectly to human beings, our behavior and our emotions. For example, dogs can understand most of the words we use, but they better interpret our voice, body language and gestures. And like any good human friend, a faithful dog will look you in the eye to assess your emotional state and try to understand what you think and feel (and, of course, will determine the timing of the next walk or treatment).

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, alleviate loneliness, stimulate exercise and fun and even improve cardiovascular health. By taking care of an animal, children can become safer and more active. Pets also offer a valuable company for the elderly. However, perhaps the most important thing is that a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.

Studies have shown that:

Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than people without pets.

People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than people without pets. A study also showed that when people with borderline hypertension adopted asylum dogs, their blood pressure decreased significantly in less than five months.

Playing with a dog or cat can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which calms and relaxes.

Pet owners have lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol (indicators of heart disease) than people without pets.

Patients with heart attacks with pets survive longer than those who do not.

Owners of animals over the age of 65 make 30% less visits to their doctor than people without pets.

Although people with pets often enjoy the best health benefits, a pet does not have to be a dog or a cat. Watching fish in an aquarium can also reduce muscle tension and heart rate.

One reason for these therapeutic effects is that pets satisfy the basic human need to touch. Even hardened criminals in prison show long-term behavioral changes after interacting with pets, many of whom have felt mutual affection. Stroking, hugging or otherwise touching a loving pet can calm you quickly and calm you if you are stressed or anxious. Pet company can also alleviate loneliness and most dogs are a great incentive for healthy exercise, which can greatly improve your mood and alleviate depression.

How pets can help you change your lifestyle

The adoption of changes in a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in alleviating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder and PTSD. By taking care of a pet, you can change a healthy lifestyle:

Increase exercise. Walking with a dog, walking or running are fun and rewarding ways to integrate a healthy daily exercise into your program. Studies have shown that dog owners respond much more often to their daily training needs and that even daily exercise is beneficial to the animal. It will strengthen the connection between you, eliminate most behavioral problems in dogs and keep your pet fit and healthy.

Offer company. The companion can help prevent disease and even prolong life for many years, while isolation and loneliness can cause symptoms of depression. Taking care of a living animal,