70% of U.S. households have pets, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Now, why does pet ownership appeal to many? What are the benefits of owning a pet?
Human-animal interactions research is relatively new and developing – the first research was published 30 years ago.
The study, led by Purdue University psychologist Alan Beck and University of Pennsylvania psychiatrist Aaron Katcher, looked at what occurs to the body when a human pets a friendly dog. The researchers found signs of reduced stress:
- Blood pressure dropped.
- Heart rate slowed.
- Breathing became more consistent.
- Muscle tensions were relieved/relaxed.
Below are the other mental health benefits of having pets.
Pets can provide comfort and support
Pets are great sources of comfort and support. This is something that therapy dogs excel at. They are occasionally taken into hospitals or nursing homes to help patients cope with stress and anxiety.
"Dogs are very present." Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, says. "If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving. Their attention is focused on the person all the time."
Berger works with cancer patients and those who have terminal illnesses. She teaches them how to practice mindfulness to help them cope with stress and discomfort.
"Attention, intention, compassion, and awareness are the foundations of mindfulness," Berger explains. Animals bring all of those things to the table. It is something that people have to get used to, but it is something that animals do naturally.
Pets offer unconditional love and acceptance
We all need unconditional acceptance, and animals offer it in spades. They do not care how much money you make, who your parents are, what moves you make on the dance floor, or what your latest tweet says. They just want to be near you and love you unconditionally.
Dogs have been using their owners as a pillow since they were domesticated. Cats are notorious for curling up in their owners' laps while they eat dinner or watch TV.
Pets lower stress levels
Interacting with animals has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure and lessen cortisol (a stress-related hormone). Animals lower stress levels because they have a calming effect on people. They allow us to be present in the moment.
Several studies have shown that animal pets, especially dogs, can help calm hyperactive or aggressive children.
Pets improve self-esteem and sense of responsibility
Pets make life fulfilling. They bring joy and happiness, but they also teach responsibility.
A study was conducted to compare the self-esteem of children who owned a pet with those who did not. The results showed that self-esteem levels were higher among the pet owners.
Pets also teach kids and even adults to be responsible for others. They are great teachers because they depend on their owners for everything. Kids who feel needed may learn how to become more responsible for themselves.
Pets make it easier to socialize and meet new people
Pets make socializing and meeting new people easier because they provide a common ground for conversation. If you see someone on the street with their dog, you can say, "Hey, I have a dog too!" or "Oh, my dog loves that place," which are the beginnings of a conversation.
Pets also create an opportunity for people to talk about themselves without actually talking about themselves. Pets are the best conversational icebreakers.
In general, pets make it way easier to get out of your head and into someone else's, breaking down social barriers and making introductions feel safer.
Pets assist in the recovery of mental illness
Pets have been proven to assist in the healing process when it comes to mental health. Studies show that one-third of people with depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses feel relief from their symptoms when they have a pet.
One study, in particular, looked at people who suffer from depression and found that those who owned a pet had a significantly higher number of good days than those who did not own a pet.
This is because pets can provide the necessary companionship, love, and support that humans need.
Pets support us in developing healthy habits
A study found that pets help humans develop healthy habits. Those who own a pet are less likely to smoke, exercise more, and eat healthier than those who do not.
Owners who have animals are more likely to make sure that they get some time outside as pets need to walk, run, and hike regularly.
Conclusions
While pet animals can give support whenever needed, it is important to remember that they can also experience stress and exhaustion. It's critical for pet owners to spot indications of stress in their pets and know when not to approach them. Animal bites can be pretty dangerous.
Pet parenting does not require huge sacrifices by any means, but there are some small things pet owners can do that will help both themselves and their furry friend feel more loved.
