Mental Health Benefits of Keeping Pets Awareness Research and Resources
“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal: Difficult standards for people to live up to.” – Alfred A. Montapert
Mental Health Benefits of Keeping Pets Research
Mental Health Benefits of Pets
"Pets can have numerous positive effects on mental health and well-being. Here are some of the mental health benefits of having pets:
1. Companionship and Emotional Support: Pets, such as dogs and cats, offer companionship and unconditional love. They provide a source of emotional support and can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The presence of a pet can offer comfort, reduce stress levels, and promote a sense of security.
2. Stress Reduction: Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Petting or cuddling with a cat or dog, for example, can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and decrease the production of stress-related hormones like cortisol. The rhythmic motion of stroking a pet can have a soothing effect and help regulate emotions.
3. Increased Physical Activity: Owning a pet, particularly a dog, often encourages increased physical activity. Regular exercise, such as walking or playing with a pet, can boost mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and contribute to overall mental well-being. The responsibility of taking care of a pet's exercise needs can also help establish a routine and provide a sense of purpose.
4. Social Connection and Engagement: Pets can serve as social facilitators, making it easier to connect with others. Taking a dog for a walk, for instance, can lead to interactions with other pet owners and provide opportunities for social engagement and conversation. Pets can be a common topic of discussion and help initiate social interactions, especially for individuals who may find it challenging to connect with others.
5. Sense of Purpose and Responsibility: Caring for a pet creates a sense of purpose and responsibility. Having a living being to care for can give individuals a sense of importance and structure in their daily lives. This can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with low self-esteem or feelings of emptiness.
6. Emotional Regulation: Pets can help improve emotional regulation and provide a calming influence. They offer a non-judgmental presence and can be a source of comfort during times of distress or emotional instability. Their presence and the routines associated with pet care can provide stability and help individuals manage their emotions more effectively.
It's important to note that while pets can provide significant mental health benefits, owning a pet also comes with responsibilities. It's crucial to ensure that individuals have the time, resources, and ability to properly care for and meet the needs of a pet before deciding to adopt one.
Overall, the bond between humans and pets can have a profound positive impact on mental health, providing companionship, emotional support, and promoting overall well-being." (Source: ChatGP)
Animal Love as Emotional Therapy OpenMind BVVA
Animal Therapy Statistics The Zebra
How Dogs contribute to your Health and Happiness Medical Health News Today
Shareable Infographic: Top 5 Mental Health Benefits Of Pets habri
Study Finds a Link between being a Cat Person and Improved Mental Health Inverse
The Mental Health Benefits of Emotional Support Animals Kentucky Counceling Center
The Most Surprising Pets And Mental Health Statistics And Trends in 2023
The Power of Support from Companion Animals for People living with Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of the Evidence BMC Physiatry
The Science-Backed Benefits of Being a Cat Lover Greater Good
Benefits of Pets for Teens with Mental Health Disorders Teen Rehab
‘Dogs have a magic effect’: how pets can improve our mental health The Guardian
Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach Frontiers
Evidence shows pets can help people with Mental Health problems University of Manchester
Benefits of Pets' Ownership, A Review based on Health Perspectives ResearchGate
Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach Frontiers
Impact of Pet Dog or Cat exposure during Childhood on Mental Illness during Adolescence: A Cohort Study BMC Paediatrics
How Dogs can Help with your Mental Health Cleveland Clinic
How Dogs can Help with your Mental Health Cleveland Clinic
How Owning a Pet Can Benefit Your Mental Health MHA
How Pets Affect Mental Health WebMD
How Cats Help Improve Mental Health AKC REUNITE
Pets & Wellbeing: 15 Benefits of Emotional Support Animals Positive Psychology
Pets help ease Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety, and the Science Proves It Allure
Pets & Wellbeing: 15 Benefits of Emotional Support Animals Positive Psychology
How Pet Ownership Benefits Your Mental Health Medivet
How Science Supports Pets for Improving Your Mental Health Mental Health America
“I Can’t Give Up When I Have Them to Care for”: People’s Experiences of Pets and Their Mental Health Taylor & Frances Online
Is Having a Dog Good for Your Mental Health? Four Paws
Mental Health Benefits of Pets Psych Central
Mental Health Benefits of Pet Ownership Centrestone
Pets and Mental Health: What are the benefits? My Online Therapy
Is Having a Dog Good for Your Mental Health? Four Paws
Mental Health Benefits of Pets Psych Central
New Survey: 95% of Pet Parents rely on their Pet for Stress Relief Newsroom
Pets and Mental Health: How Furry Friends Can Impact Your Child’s Life Nationwide Children's Hospital
Psychological Benefits of Owning a Cat Catonsville Cat Clinic
Shareable Infographic: Top 5 Mental Health Benefits Of Pets habri
Stress Awareness: How Your Pet Can Benefit Your Mental Health Veterinary Client Mediation Service
Study Finds a Link between being a Cat Person and Improved Mental Health Inverse
The Most Surprising Pets And Mental Health Statistics And Trends in 2023
The Power of Pets : Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions NIH
The Truth About Cats and Dogs: Pets Are Good for Mental Health of ‘Everyday People’ American Psychological Association
7 Ways Having a Pet Can Improve Your Mental health - Video