Pets and mental health can give you a sense of companionship. Although research on human-animal interactions is still somewhat scarce, studies have shown positive health effects. Interacting with animals decreases control levels (a stress-related hormone) and lowers blood pressure. Other studies have shown that animals can reduce feelings of loneliness, increase feelings of emotional and social support, and boost your mood.
An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. Who benefits from an animal? Which type of pet brings you health benefits? Scientists are looking at potential physical and mental health benefits for animals, from guinea pigs to dogs and cats. For example, researchers are looking into how animals might influence child development.
Pets, Mental Health
Animals can be a source of comfort, support, and companionship. Pets can provide mental help for many people. Therapy dogs are especially good at this. They are sometimes brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety. Dogs are very present. If someone struggles with something, they can feel your feelings and know how to give you the love and support you need.
Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, says, “Their attention is focused on the person at all times. She also works with people who have cancer and terminal illnesses. She teaches them about mindfulness to help decrease stress and manage pain. “The foundation of mindfulness includes attention, intention, compassion, and awareness,” Ann says. “All of those things that animals bring to the table. People have to learn it. Animals do this innately”.
Pets in the Classroom
Dogs may also aid in the classroom. A study found that dogs can help children with ADHD focus on their attention. Two groups of children who were diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled in a 12-week group therapy session. The first group of children read to a therapy dog once a week for 30 minutes.
The second group read to puppets that just looked like dogs. The children who read to actual dogs showed better social skills, shared, cooperated, and volunteered more. They were also more alert and had fewer behavioral problems.
Other Studies
Another study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were calmer while playing with guinea pigs in the classroom. When the children spent 10 minutes playing with the guinea pig, their anxiety levels dropped, they were more relaxed, and they had better social interactions with their classmates. Different animals can help you in ways you would not expect.
A recent study showed that caring for fish helped teenagers with diabetes manage their disease. The study showed that feeding and checking water levels in the fish tank and changing the tank water each week created a caretaking routine for them. These groups of teens had type 1 diabetes.
Final Thoughts
Pets and mental health are not for everyone. Pets bring new responsibilities. You must feed them, ensure they have water, and care for them constantly. You essentially are a parent of a pet. Animals can feel stressed as well. Maybe you adopted them from an animal rescue? You don’t know what their life was like before being adopted by you.
The unconditional love and support of pets can boost self-esteem and confidence. They can also help support depression and individuals who may struggle with depression, social situations, or self-image. The presence of a pet can also improve the quality of your sleep, as pets are on a cycle. They get us on a sleep and wake cycle, again creating a routine.
You can find more information about how pets and people can support each other at Shedding Light on Health: Research Helps People and Pets. Researchers continue to explore the many effects of having a pet. There are many different types of pets you can have. You need to decide what type of pet is most manageable based on your lifestyle and if you want a pet.
“The bond between a pet and a human is sacred, and when a pet is gone, a part of us goes with them”. – James Herriot
