Effect of Pets on Health

Posted on

12 September 2013

| Last updated on 19 April 2017

The Effects of Pets on Physical and Mental Health

We all love our pets. From cats and dogs to fish and frogs, humans have been keeping critters for their own ever since prehistoric times. Some ancient cultures, like the Egyptians, even went so far as to revere certain types of pets as deities or had their pets embalmed to travel with them through the afterlife. People's infatuation with pets has been well documented throughout history, and today is no different; in fact, today we pamper our pets like never before, with pet spas where dogs and cats can be waited on hand and foot. There's no question that many pets enjoy great lives as a result of our affection for them, but what do we humans get out of it? This article seeks to answer that question as by examining whether or not pets can be beneficial to us physically, mentally or emotionally.

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There have been numerous studies into the effects that pets have on their owners.

Findings have shown that a loyal companion animal can help with a variety of problems. Depression, for instance, is one of the most common mental disorders, if not the most common, worldwide. Having a loving dog, cat or even horse has shown to actually assist people in coping with their depression. The intelligence and almost human disposition of horses and dogs make them excellent animals to talk to, even if they can't respond. This helps those people who have problems socializing or who isolate themselves from the rest of the world. Owning a pet even gives a person a way to meet others that share an enthusiasm for animals. Having a dog can also prevent loneliness, in that people won't only have a companion to spend their days with, but also a dependent that needs the person in order to survive. Dogs, in particular, can help allay people's feelings of insecurity in their daily life. Pets have also been known to help people get through the grief of losing a loved one. Even in times when people may want to work through their woes alone, a pet always has a welcoming shoulder to lean on.

Depression isn't the only thing pets can help with. Dogs need plenty of exercise, and responsible dog owners will be sure to take their furry friends on daily walks. This activity can not only keep a canine healthy, but also a human body and mind as well. Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body, but the mind also benefits from physical activity: when the stress-reducing hormones are released during a run with Fido, the risk of depression and other mental illnesses falls. Furthermore, the increased blood flow to the brain that results from regular exercise can keep a person mentally sharp.

Animals can also help people with physical rehabilitation.

In recent years horse riding has become more popular as a method of rehabilitating certain injuries. Riding a horse can help to increase movement and core strength. Additionally, it can help rehab patients to recover muscle memory and body awareness. Strange as it may seem, animals have also been utilized in assisting speech therapists to treat patients outside of an office environment.

When dealing with physical ailments it's important to note the biggest causes of death. In the UAE, as well as in a number of other developed countries, the number one cause of death is conditions related to circulatory diseases, such as heart attack or stroke. Primary risk factors for the circulatory disease include high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which can be lowered by having a pet. For example, all a person has to do is stroke a cat on their lap and their blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate can lower. Studies have even shown that people with pets have lower overall cholesterol. Whether you're interacting with a pet hamster or watching your turtles, just focusing on something other than the worries of everyday life can have a therapeutic effect on the body.

So what causes the positive feelings and mental benefits that we receive from our animal companions?

Studies having shown that the hormone oxytocin is released by our brains when interacting with animals. The positive effects of oxytocin are that it reduces fear, increases trust, increases social skills and increases generosity. All of this means that spending time with animals can actually lead to being more social with other people. For this reason, some organizations are taking dogs and cats to nursing homes and children’s centers in order to spread the benefits that pets can provide. Many people are very guarded in their approach to interacting with society. The scientific findings that have been made around using animals to get past mental and emotional barriers could lead to further uses for pets. Imagine a psychologist's office that provides a tabby to stroke, allowing patients to relax and open up to the doctor.

As you can see, pets and other animals can be extremely beneficial to have around, and this is not only due to people's enjoyment of caressing a furry friend but also for biological and chemical reasons that have been backed by science. If you find yourself feeling depressed, alone or insecure when dealing with an ailment, you may want to ask your primary medical care provider about how a pet could help your situation. Even if you don't have any serious problems, in a pet you may find a new loving friend that not only needs you, but motivates you to exercise, socialize, and communicate your feelings with the outside world.