Guide dog is helping a blind man in the city
Did you know that petting an animal for ten minutes can lower stress hormones?
Have you been considering adopting or buying a pet? How do animals help people and can one help you?
In this guide, we’ll go over pets and mental health to find out what the connection really is. If you want to learn more, keep reading to learn about the benefits you can experience after getting a pet of your very own.
You Chat With More People
If you feel isolated, having a pet can help you with social interaction. When out for a walk, you may end up talking to a neighbor or someone walking.
This could be the only social contact you have for the entire day. Some people end up chatting with another person while buying cat food or a dog toy.
Having a pet can help break down barriers for people who feel awkward. A dog will help them have a more natural and comfortable interaction.
You Will Exercise More
Owning a pet can help you change your lifestyle. For instance, some people enjoy taking their dog for a hike or walk.
Walking with your pet is a fun and rewarding way to add exercise into your life routine. Dog owners tend to get their daily exercise. Exercise is beneficial for people who have a mental illness.
Pets Provide Companionship
Loneliness and isolation can cause symptoms of depression. Yet companionship’s known to help prevent illness. When you have a pet, you end up taking your focus off your problems and focus on caring for them.
Some pet owners enjoy chatting with their dog or cat. People who live alone look forward to heading home, and knowing their pets will be there to greet them.
Caring for a Pet Boosts Mental Health
People will feel wanted and needed when they have a pet to protect and keep healthy. You need to maintain an exercise and feeding schedule. This routine could also benefit your health.
No matter how you feel, you know you need to get out of bed and care for your beloved pet.
This is still true even if the pets don’t interact a lot with caregivers. In one study, researchers gave five crickets to older participants. Over eight weeks, the scientists monitored their mood.
Compared to a control group, not given pets to watch people who had the crickets were less depressed.
Relieve Stress
You can lower and manage your stress by petting your cat, dog, or another animal. Your blood pressure will decrease, and this will help you feel less stressed and calm.
Playing with your dog can also reduce stress-related hormones. The levels of hormones like dopamine and serotonin will increase.
When we laugh or smile at our pet’s funny behavior, these hormones get stimulated and released.
Consider adopting or getting a pet today and, at the same time, learn more about PTSD service dogs and what they can do.
How Do Animals Help People?
We hope this guide on pets and mental health was helpful. Now that you know the answer to “how do animals help people?” head to an animal shelter!
You never know when you’ll find the perfect furry friend.
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