Animals Can Create Happiness!
This statement should come as no surprise, as research has shown for many decades that animals are able to improve our mental health simply by being around us. But how exactly does that work, and what exactly do they improve?
95% of pet owners state that they love their animals and consider them to be part of their families. When other family members are busy, gone, or in conflict with you, you may find yourself turning to the familiar comfort of your pet to calm your emotions. Your pet, after all, can’t really be “angry” with you, doesn’t leave the house to go to work or school without you, and finds spending time with you to be the most fascinating part of their day. You are their whole world, and they will spend their entire life with you while you continue on once they pass. They provide a wonderful addition to a household of any type. Whether you live alone or have a spouse and children, having a pet to come home to at the end of the day, always excited to see you even if it’s just because they know you’ll feed them, pets add positivity to an environment.
Even interacting with a pet you do not own can create health benefits. One study found that after petting a friendly dog, people’s blood pressure went down, their heart rate and muscle tension decreased, and their breathing slowed. What do all three of these have in common? All three of these become elevated when stressed, so interacting with an animal reduces stress. Our cortisol levels (the stress hormones) are reduced when in the presence of friendly animals while our oxytocin levels (the stress-relieving hormones) are increased. Research has shown that interacting with other comfort objects such as toys do not offer these same benefits, but interacting with a living animal is beneficial even for people who do not like animals.
Owning pets can reduce the likelihood of developing mental health disorders in children. One study found that owning a pet in childhood reduced the risk of developing anxiety by almost half, which is a phenomenal find. Depression is also alleviated, as playing with an animal naturally increases our serotonin and dopamine levels, stimulating the happiness hormones we have. Owning animals who need exercise such as active dogs encourage their owners to exercise too, which can improve the whole family! Finally, children who help take care of animals while growing up are found to feel more secure and have increased self-worth as they feel needed and responsible.
Owning a pet as an older adult also provides many added health benefits. Seniors who own pets on average have to visit their doctors 30% less, they recover from illnesses faster, and their risk for heart disease is decreased. Pets also can provide great companionship, as long as their maintenance levels match, and can offer constant company. Pets add an element of daily routine to the lives of older adults, as they must be cared for regularly, which decreases depressive symptoms. Finally, humans have a basic need for touch, and if we are unable to get this fulfilled by other people, animals can fulfill this for us and offer that therapeutic relief.
Animals give so many wonderful things to us over the course of their shorter lives, and we should be grateful to have them around. They do silly things that make us laugh, they cuddle up to us when we need warmth, and they always get excited to see us after we have been gone. They help us feel seen, loved, and wanted. If something feels missing in your life and daily routine, perhaps consider adding a pet to your household. Low maintenance pets like turtles, cats, or rabbits are good for people with busy lifestyles, as they can be left alone for long periods of time and even several days with special equipment. Animals such as dogs or horses can be good if you have a little bit more space and time and are wanting some exercise and work. Animals make us happier and less stressed, and they deserve the same in return, so consider adding a new family member to your household today and giving them the best life possible.
Kyndal Sims
Birch Psychology
Resources
https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/well-being/pets-and-mental-health/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
https://www.mhanational.org/blog/how-science-supports-pets-improving-your-mental-health