Can pets improve mental health? Science generally says their presence is beneficial. Animal lovers think having a dog or a cat around can make them happier and healthier. Fortunately, evidence of these merits abounds. Several studies have proved that while it can be a source of hairy health hazards for some, adopting one offers a long list of upsides. Learn how bringing a dog or a cat home can improve mental health.

Understanding the Link Between Pets and Mental Health

Owning a pet has been associated with psychological health benefits —the interaction, companionship and fun these furry friends bring impact human health in many ways. For example, the bouts of pet-stroking can help reduce stress levels and put you in a good mood. These much-loved family members provide significant health merits to those around them. 

Benefits of Pets on Mental Health

Pets can be a source of joy. Caring for them may be a huge responsibility but they make their owners happy in many ways. Some cite their furry family members have made their lives more meaningful. Others claim adopting a dog has helped them heal from mental worries, like depression. Learn the different ways owning a pet can boost your mental well-being. 

1. Reduce Stress 

When a golden retriever bud excitedly wags its tail and jumps on you as you open the door, you’ll have no choice but to reciprocate the enthusiasm with a smile. This scenario describes how seeing your loved furry animals can instantly cure stress and uplift your mood. 

In one study, college students who interacted with their dogs for 10 minutes improved their stress levels and mood. 

Pets have effects comparable to sedatives, helping you calm nerves and tension. They’re always there to listen if you need to vent or have a problem you can’t share with anyone. They can detect when you’re stressed and in need of comfort. The best thing is that their presence makes you feel like you have a friend to lean on around the clock. 

2. Improve Resilience and Overall Mental Well-Being

Having an animal as a companion has impressive psychological merits. During the pandemic, pet owners had significantly higher levels of mental well-being, were better at coping with negative situations and generally more emotionally positive compared to non-pet owners. 

Furry family members can provide meaningful interactions, boosting their owners’ resilience under highly stressful situations. With them around, you won’t have to feel lonely or isolated.  

3. Enhance Physical Activity

If you want to stay fit, adopting a highly active dog can be the solution to incorporating a habit of exercise into your daily routine. Pets influence people’s lifestyles in optimistic ways. 

Responsible owners treat their pets like young family members, giving them healthy food and taking them out in the morning to exercise and get sun exposure. Dogs have a considerable positive effect on their owners’ movement activities. They’ll bug you to play outside until you give in.

Outdoor activities can strengthen your bond and give you mutual health benefits. You can play fetch or tug-of-war, go for a hike or swim. You’ll be challenged to match your dog’s unceasing energy and inspired to engage in any type of movement. Anything that keeps you active can merit your mental well-being. Some breeds have a higher exercise requirement, which you must meet to keep your furry friends healthy and fit. 

Some breeds have a higher exercise requirement, which you must meet to keep your furry friends healthy and fit. 

4. Boost Immune System

Some people refuse to adopt pets due to health worries such as allergies. While it’s understandable, evidence also cites that their presence can strengthen one’s immune system and allergy resistance. 

An earlier study found children exposed to pets before birth had 28.8% lower immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels than offspring in homes without them. 

IgE is an antibody the immune system makes that binds with the allergens. Higher volumes mean your body is more sensitive to common allergens and conditions, like food allergies, eczema and asthma. 

Scientists found owning a dog can lower the IgE levels by 26.7%. The effects continue through the child’s teen years, increasing their resistance to allergies. One theory revealed dogs tend to bring bacteria from the outside into the home, influencing the unborn child’s gut microbiome. As a result, their immune system matures faster, and they develop resistance to allergies. 

A robust immune system is associated with improved mental health. 

5. Lower the Risk of Heart Disease

Cardiovascular illnesses are a leading cause of death among Americans. One person dies every 33 seconds from it and it’s become a public health concern.

While an ideal lifestyle helps people sidestep the risk factors of heart illnesses, a pet can also elevate overall quality of life. One way they support their owners is through increased physical activities, which lowers their incidence of obesity. Dogs and cats will force you to get up from bed, go outside and exercise, allowing you to maintain a healthy weight and live more actively. 

Unless you’re allergic, having furry family members appears to bring more benefits than downsides. Do you feel excited to adopt one? Before doing so, note that taking a pet home is a responsibility. You’ll have to provide food and bring them to vet sessions. While their needs will take a cut from your paycheck,  they can increase your quality of life by being a source of joy.

Other Ways to Improve Mental Health

You can’t solely entrust your health to your pet. Here are other lifestyle shifts that can boost your mental health. 

1. Get sufficient sleep. It’s good for the brain. 
2. Consume a balanced diet. Some foods, like salmon, avocados and nuts, are rich in compounds and nutrients that support cognitive health. 
3. Include exercise in your routine. Consider increasing your movement besides the light morning walks with your pets. Regular gym sessions can do wonders for your physical and mental health. 
4. Try a relaxing activity. Spending time in nature and engaging in fun hobbies can deflate stress and minimize its impact on mental health.
5. Stay connected. Schedule social activities with friends and family members. Meaningful conversations are like an exercise to the brain. 

Adopting a Pet Can Improve Mental Health

Having furry family members at home has many health upsides. They can reduce stress, improve your coping abilities, boost immunity, and encourage physical activities. However, caring for them is a huge responsibility. Consider if you’re up for the challenge before bringing a dog or a cat into your residence.