Spending time with our pets offers far-reaching advantages beyond simply making us smile; their company can have numerous physical and mental health advantages that contribute to making us happier and more fulfilled people. Studies have documented these effects while more research continues into exactly why this relationship so special.
What Science Suggests About Pets and Happiness
So why do pets make us so content and relaxed? One theory suggests that spending time with our furry or scaley pals triggers the release of oxytocin – a hormone released when people engage in positive physical interactions, with effects such as relieving stress and anxiety, decreasing sensitivity to pain, increasing empathy, promoting bonding behaviors such as nurturing behaviors and improving self-confidence – leading us towards calmer and happier experiences when around them1.1 All these benefits contribute towards making people calmer and happier while around their furry or scaley friends – leading them down this path toward feeling calmer and happier companions than ever before.
Activities people engage in with their pets have additional physical and mental health advantages, as having one can dramatically change one’s lifestyle in many ways. Our pets also become adept at adapting to our habits – have you ever noticed your cat or dog running to the door even before you put on your shoes or coat before leaving home? They seem so attuned to our body language that it feels as if they read minds, making us feel even closer.
Pet Ownership Can Benefit Mental Health
Owning or being around pets has many positive ramifications on mental health, whether that is your own pet or one from therapy visits to hospitals, nursing homes or any other setting where people could use some snuggles and affection.
Happiness from seeing an adorable animal and receiving physical affection from its furry hug can help ease anxiety and feelings of depression.2
Children living with pets have also been shown to experience benefits in terms of increasing self-esteem, expanding vocabulary, improving speech and providing a valuable source of attachment that may help reduce anxiety3.3
Dog owners also benefit from increased social interactions when walking their pets, often meeting neighbors and fellow dog owners as a result of these daily walks.4 For many people, taking time each day to walk their pup can help to increase socialization while alleviating feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Physical Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
There’s no question that mental and physical wellbeing are inextricably tied together, which makes it no surprise that pets can help improve our physical wellbeing too. When people enjoy positive mental health it can often translate to improvements in other aspects of their wellbeing such as physical wellbeing. Many benefits associated with owning pets enhance both minds and bodies – with pet ownership providing numerous physical advantages such as:
Pet parents benefit from increased physical responses to stress, reduced cardiovascular responses, and even an increase in survival after heart attack.5 Additionally, multiple daily walks help pet parents get in their daily steps when they otherwise might stay home.
Increased activity may help to increase mobility, prevent weight gain and build muscle tone – turning your furry friend into your personal trainer!
How to Maximize the Benefits of Pet Ownership.
To maximize the human-animal bond, it is crucial that all physical and mental needs of your pet, in addition to those of yourself, are fulfilled.6
Create a Trusting Bond With Your Pet
Fostering trust between yourself and your pet will ensure they feel safe in your presence, further strengthening the bond. This includes everything from making sure their health is taken care of through routine veterinary check ups to grooming them regularly to avoid matted fur or overgrown nails.
Your pet requires regular exercise and mental enrichment through play, socialization and training – activities which strengthen both of you as a result! Showing them what is expected from them through positive reinforcement such as toys, treats or praise can help ensure that their needs are being met while also having fun while getting structure into their day.
Finding the Right Pet For You
An essential factor of having a fulfilling relationship between you and your pet lies in selecting one that complements both your lifestyle and personality. Example: for someone with long days at work and frequent travel plans, an energetic pup that requires lots of physical exercise and constant companionship might not be ideal. Seniors or those with limited mobility often prefer lower energy cat or dog species that do not need daily outdoor exercise or walks, such as cats. A sturdy breed that tolerates noise and chaos is essential in households with young children; finding an appropriate match reduces some of the stressors associated with pet ownership when either individual needs aren’t being met by either pet or owner.