- Do you subscribe to Dharma Dog Training’s Newsletter? You should.
- A Unique Campaign from The Humane Society of the United States
- Rabid bats in Omaha- Stay safe, prepared with these tips
- Springtime Activities in Omaha
- Mill Dog Monthly from Bailing Out Benji
- World Spay Day, Legislative Alert in Nebraska
- Attend the Nebraska Rescue Council’s monthly meeting this Saturday
- Five Hard-to-Ignore Reasons to Adopt!
- Paws in Pink to Benefit Breast Cancer Foundation
- VCA, Inc. Acquires MidWest Vet Specialists from Kansas State University
Pawsitive Impact: How Pets Boost Mental Health
Did you know that having a pet can benefit your mental health? Our furry friends are not only loving and loyal companions, but they can also boost our mood and overall sense of well-being.
Dogs and cats can lower stress and anxiety. Interaction with our pets has been shown to decrease cortisol, which is the fight-or-flight hormone that causes our blood pressure to rise. Dogs require regular exercise, which can help with depression and safeguard our physical and mental health.
The hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives can trigger worry and cause us to overtax ourselves with work, school, and family life. In this article, you will learn how your pet can support your daily life and boost your mental health.
How Our Pets Boost Mental Health
Our canine and feline friends get us through both good times and bad. Having a pet provides companionship and gives us a sense of purpose. Sharing your life with a companion animal will allow you to foster a positive connection with someone who will never let you down. The following includes some of the ways pets can contribute to exceptional mental health:
Pets Reduce Stress And Anxiety
Nothing is more rewarding after a long, stressful day than cuddling with a furry friend. Taking a nap with your dog or reading a good book with your cat in your lap will help you relax and relieve tension. Some of the ways pets can minimize stress and anxiety:
Increase exercise- Encourage affection
- Build self-confidence
- Improve cardiovascular health
Spending time with a pet can also change the chemistry in your brain. Research from the University of New Mexico states, “Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine.” These chemicals in the brain are responsible for regulating mood and minimizing anxiety.
Snuggling up with your pet can increase oxytocin in the brain. Oxytocin is the “love hormone,” which improves the bonds we feel with our loved ones when released. When these hormones are balanced, it creates a feeling of overall happiness. Cortisol, which exacerbates stress, also decreases.
Pets Promote Exercise
Staying physically active can prevent depression, and having a dog means you will need to take them for walks and play fetch. Even cats require spirited play and fun games. The National Alliance on Mental Illness validates that “Exercise increases endorphins, which fights depression.” Dogs, especially, need daily exercise and play.
The more you engage in physical activity, the better stabilized your mood will be. When you get enough exercise, you will have quality sleep. Melatonin in the body makes your sleep more useful and can give you a deeper sleep. Since melatonin increases when you exercise, having a pet can improve your sleep patterns.
Pets Decrease Loneliness
Dogs and cats can decrease loneliness and encourage positive interactions. When you care for a pet, they come to know and love you, and that bond can be just as powerful as a parent-child attachment. Our pets play an essential role in our lives and become family to us. Some ways animal companions diminish loneliness:
Fulfill the need for touch and affection- Provide a sense of routine and balance
- Encourage social interaction and relationships
- Provide companionship and a sense of home
Pets support human connections by giving us a social network of fellow pet lovers. They are also icebreakers. For example, puppies need training and socialization. Puppy classes and doggie daycare centers help people meet and develop relationships. When walking your dog, you can meet people in your neighborhood and form friendships.
Pets Create A Sense Of Routine
Structure is a game-changer when it comes to mental health. Our pets give us a sense of purpose and routine. Dogs and cats must be fed on schedule daily. They depend on us to nurture and care for them. Try to walk your dog around the same time each day. A routine gives your pup comfort and familiarity; they will know what to expect.
Cats are similar creatures of habit. They favor eating at the same time each day and thrive when you exercise them regularly. Older cats should play two to three times daily, but kittens play constantly. Breaking up sessions into several short bursts of play will satisfy their inner hunter.
Pets Take Care Of Us In Return
When you are having a bad day, your pet knows and will give you the attention you need to feel better. Head bumps and biscuits from your cat and cuddles and nuzzles from your dog can brighten your day. A cat’s purr is also incredibly healing. Having a furry friend who gives you support and unconditional love is the best medicine you can ask for, and it is completely natural.
Conclusion
Our pets are wonderful for our mental health. They reduce anxiety and depression and can help us cope with other mood disorders. They promote exercise, decrease loneliness, and provide us with structure. Our furry friends love us unconditionally and give us a sense of home and family.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login