Mental Health & Pets

Pets have the ability to decrease stress levels, improve heart health, and help children improve their emotional and social skills. Because of these benefits, researchers have found that pets lower your blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression,  increase the feeling of social support, and improve overall mood. Different pets offer different benefits in a variety of unique and helpful ways. Dogs and cats have been found to reduce anxiety and depression in addition to encouraging exercise and play. Birds help encourage social interaction and keep adults alert. Fish reduce our muscle tension and lower our pulse rate. 

In childhood, pets have the ability to lower the risk of allergies or asthma while also teaching responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Pets during childhood also provide a sense of safety and ease separation anxiety from the child’s caregiver. Additionally, children can develop a more positive self-image due to feeling important and pets can help calm hyperactive and aggressive children. 

In adulthood, pets boost morale, optimism, and create a sense of self-worth while bringing joy to their owners' lives. Adults who adopt from shelters, specifically older pets, experience a sense of fulfillment in their lives. Pets in adulthood are also a great way to meet new people, start conversations, and encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise which in return boosts your immune system. 

Research has also been conducted on the benefits of pets for inmates and people diagnosed with Alzheimher’s. For inmates, research shows long-term changes in behavior after playing with pets in addition to many experiencing mutual affection for the first time in their lives. For those living with Alzheimher’s having a dog or cat in the house reduces anxious outbursts and lowers aggressive behaviors. 

Source: HelpGuide.org, NIH.gov