Pets are members of the family. They, like humans, require love, medical care, and attention. However, pet parents' relationships with their animals are not one-sided. Pets provide so much in return, benefiting our minds, bodies, and hearts.
The advantages of having pets are numerous — and scientifically proven. Pets assist their owners in living longer, happier, and healthier lives, both mentally and physically. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) collects the most recent data on the beneficial health effects of companion animals. These researchers contribute to the case of having a pet in the home.
These furry family members contribute to healthy communities in a variety of ways, including lowering the risk of heart attacks and alleviating loneliness.
Did you know that? Spending time with dogs has been shown in studies to cause the brain to produce oxytocin, a hormone that can reduce stress and improve well-being! Now go spend some quality time with your dog!
That's correct. Despite our convictions about the benefits our pets bring to our lives, science has yet to definitively prove that pets are good for our health. And here are five potential benefits of having a pet for your mental and physical well-being.
A stronger sense of identity: Pets were found to contribute to a stronger sense of identity in pet owners with mental health conditions, including lowering negative perceptions of a mental health condition or diagnosis. In many ways, this results in the owners having a better and healthier lifestyle. Who wouldn't want to be happier? And studies have shown that most people fail to recognise their mental health issues, and having a pet assists them in identifying their issues and treating them.
Stable cognition and routine: Pets in the relationship provide a sense of security and routine, which reinforces stable cognition. According to a preliminary study published on February 23, 2022, owning a pet, such as a dog or a cat, for five years or longer may be associated with slower cognitive decline in older adults. A better explanation would be that, while stress can impair cognitive function, having a companion animal can increase physical activity, which may benefit cognitive health.
Furthermore, they provide distraction and disruption from distressing symptoms such as hearing voices, suicidal thoughts, and rumination, as well as facilitating routine and exercise for those who care for them.
Buffer against loneliness: Pet ownership may act as a buffer against loneliness, according to the findings of a study of elderly people who live alone. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been shown to significantly reduce loneliness in people living in nursing homes. Being a pet parent may act as a buffer against loneliness, as well as instil a sense of self-worth and responsibility, according to the findings. The care that goes into owning a pet, such as walking and visiting the vet, may increase socialisation. According to research, the human-animal bond can improve the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Furthermore, keeping in mind the recent situation of covid, where lockdowns were imposed in most parts of the world. According to a UK study, pets were an important source of emotional support for many people during the lockdown, reducing loneliness and improving general mental health. Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of developing other mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. And, based on previous research, we are beginning to recognise that pets can provide significant support to people suffering from severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
A healthier heart: In a 2005 Michigan Behavioural Risk Factor Survey, approximately 60% of dog walkers met the criteria for regular moderate and/or vigorous. leisure-time physical activity, compared to approximately 45 per cent of non-dog owners and dog owners who did not walk their dog. The presence of a pet dog or cat had a significant impact on blood pressure in a study of adults over the age of 50 with mildly elevated blood pressure, with dog ownership being associated with lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure compared to people who did not own pets. During a 20-year period, a study of over 2,400 cat owners found a significantly lower relative risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack, compared to non-owners.
It's no surprise that your dog may reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Why? Dog owners walk more and have lower blood pressure than non-dog owners. Furthermore, if you already have heart problems, pets can be beneficial. According to studies, heart attack survivors and people with serious abnormal heart rhythms who own dogs live longer than people with the same heart problems who do not own pets.
Social Support for Autistic Children: Pets in the home can improve prosocial behaviours in children with ASD by providing companionship, unconditional love, and improved mental health, according to research. Evidence also suggests that incorporating animals into educational and classroom settings can help children with ASD improve their social skills and behaviour.
While most research focuses on the impact of dog ownership and interaction on this population, scientific evidence, including recently published results from HABRI-funded research, indicates that people with ASD can benefit from owning and interacting with other types of animals as well. According to research, when pets are present in the classroom, children relate better to their autistic classmates.
When we look at the data on mental health, physical health, and ageing, it's clear that pets, in addition to being the loving companions we've always known them to be, contribute significantly to people's lives in these areas. If you don't have the time, money, or ability to care for a pet full-time, there are other ways to reap the benefits of being around animals. You could, for example, offer to walk a neighbour's dog or volunteer at an animal shelter. Most animal shelters and rescue groups welcome volunteers to assist with the care of homeless pets or at adoption events. You'll be helping not only yourself but also the animals by socialising and exercising them, making them more adoptable.
I hope that by reading this article, you will be able to relate to the health benefits of having a pet around. What's your favourite fun activity to do with your pet now? What is your favourite memory of your pet? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. We'd be delighted to hear from you!