In 2011, Cooper, a 4-year-old Shih-Tzu, joined the staff of Harvard Medical School as a registered therapy dog. Dr. Francisco assigned him the duty to help faculty members, students, and staff to enjoy a bit of stress relief from work, an endeavor that turned out to be quite successful.
In addition to other pet therapy benefits, having a pet undeniably reduces loneliness. Pets are not only an active presence, but they come with an unavoidable responsibility. Taking ownership and care of a pet could help the owner build self-esteem. It offers reassurance that you can care for another and that they will love you unconditionally for that. Their presence alone is positively correlated with uplifting one’s spirits, perhaps more than human interaction does.
Dozens of researchers have pondered over the question of how a pet can relieve you from stress. According to a 2016 HABRI survey, 88% of pet owners are aware that pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Getting a new pet comes with many benefits, and now you can add mental health to the list as well. Read on to find your pet is making your life better.
1. Elevate your Mood
The mere action of petting an animal can cheer up humans. One of the primary therapy dog requirements is for the animal to be friendly. Interaction with a friendly companion animal boosts the production of oxytocin, and serotonin and prolactin, the hormones that play a significant role in improving moods. What’s more, it can also release hormones such as Phenylethylamine, which has the same effect as chocolate on humans!
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Stress is often associated with high blood pressure and heart rate. A substantial number of studies reveal that blood pressure levels are the lowest during dog petting. The presence of friendly animals, even if they are unfamiliar, can effectively reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
While touching the animal is a major component of the pet effect, owning a pet helps you keep in better shape in other ways too. It seems only logical that those who own pets, especially dogs, would take them out for walks or run a few times a day. This might encourage them to stay healthier in comparison to non-pet owners.
3. Decreases Anxiety
Your pet’s presence or contact can reduce anxiety and fear. The relationship between pet ownership and anxiety encourages the use of therapy dogs for people to cope up with anxiety. Animal-assisted therapy has facilitated several heart patients to get over their anxiety and speed up their recovery. The calming effect of a friendly animal aids in several ways to curb panic. They are great listeners and make for an excellent distraction to avoid overthinking by yourself.
4. Reduce Depressive Symptoms
Having a pet undeniably reduces loneliness. Pets are not only an active presence, but they come with an unavoidable responsibility. Taking ownership and care of a pet could help the owner build self-esteem. It offers reassurance that you can care for another and that they will love you unconditionally for that. Their presence alone is positively correlated with uplifting one’s spirits, perhaps more than human interaction does.
5. They Help you Heal
Regardless of the cause of your stress, your pet can fill the gaps in your days with playfulness. Animal-assisted therapy is gaining popularity as a means to bring a sense of constant love and affection and help them get over the trauma. The bond between humans and animals works both ways. They provide companionship and support you through all phases of life, while they find a reliable friend in you as well.
Looking after a pet is a big responsibility, but the benefits often outweigh the difficult parts. And ultimately, when they can make you smile. It would make the hard work worthwhile.
