Those of us who own pets already know they make us happy. We don’t need research to tell us that having a fuzzy little friend to greet us every time we walk into our door or get out of bed in the morning raises our spirits and makes us feel appreciated.
Scientists and doctors have officially recognized this phenomenon, however, by proving in studies that pets such as cats, dogs, horses, and birds can make their human companions physically healthier. Below are 5 reasons animals can help people feel good.
1. Physical Touch is Necessary to Thrive—
The need for touch has been documented in animals and humans from infancy through adulthood. But some people don’t have anyone in their lives with whom they have close physical contact, which can negatively impact their health.
For victims of sexual or physical abuse, human touch can feel scary and violating rather than soothing. A pet can provide a safe and non-threatening snuggle for someone who can really use a hug, yet has no human means for getting one.
2. Animals Make Us Feel Calm—
There is something inherently soothing about having animals around, be they dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, birds or any other little critter. Watching hummingbirds as they zip around the feeder brings a smile to any face, and even studying a fish aquarium can make you feel more relaxed. In fact, studies have shown that petting a dog or cat can lower the blood pressure of a person, and that heart attack patients live longer if they own pets.
3. Pets Can Heal People Emotionally and Physically—
When we interact with animals, our brains produce the feel-good hormone, oxytocin. As one of the chemicals that causes happy feelings, this hormone makes us feel euphoric and trusting so that we bond with the cause of their release. Oxytocin also helps the body heal and grow new cells, so the physiological effects of pets are very positive.
Animals also encourage their humans to exercise more by increasing the need for supply outings, walking, brushing and petting. Because of these healing benefits, pet therapy is often used to help the elderly, people with disabilities and children with autism spectrum disorders.
4. Animals Make Great Therapists—
Pets are always there to offer a sympathetic ear. When people need a place to vent, or maybe just feel a little lonely and want to chat with a living being, an animal will listen without judgment. (Especially if there are treats involved.)
Therapists also have much better luck getting children to open up if they have an office pet for the child to hug and focus on while they talk about their feelings. Animals put children at ease and make them more likely to share things they might not have without the comfort of a pet.
5. Pets Can Help People Make Human Friends—
In addition to providing their owner with companionship, pets can facilitate human friendships by giving people a reason to get out of the house and interact socially with others.
Going to animal-friendly pet stores to buy toys and food, to the dog park for exercise, taking obedience training classes together or just going to the groomer can give the animal owner a sense of purpose and a chance to talk to other people with similar interests.
Remember, if owning a pet is not an option for you, consider finding a senior center where therapy animals come to visit, or perhaps volunteering in your local shelter to help exercise and socialize pets to make them more adoptable. Just being around animals can add physical, emotional and psychological benefits and a feeling of completeness to the life of anyone.
Diane Schmidt writes for VIP Sitters which is located in Toronto, Canada. Diane enjoys learning, researching and writing about topics related to pets and animals. She’s researched and written articles about pet transportation, pet relocation and pet sitting. Diane has owned several pets in the past.
