How pets help to shape our mental and physical well -being
Doctors recommend more time with pets, small pets are incorporated into the school plans and even workplaces that Chewy includes furry colleagues. Why the shift? Here are four good reasons, according to research.
Pets decrease loneliness feelings
The Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. But the truth is that loneliness was a social epidemic even before the pandemic, and it continues to be – 1 in 5 Americans say they feel a lack of deep connection and understanding among others.
Pets offer not only unconditional love, but also a sense of purpose in taking care of another creature.
When Habri and Mars Petcare asked pet parents across the country what they do when they feel lonely, 80% said that they turn to their pets for comfort. Pets offer not only unconditional love, but also a sense of purpose in taking care of another creature. In addition, over half (54%) of the respondents said that their pets help them get in touch with others in society, which promotes a sense of belonging.
Pet foster connection and community
For many animal lovers, pets are social catalysts. This is not only anecdotal. A study of cities in the United States and Australia found a link between pet ownership and stronger social bonds in communities.
As expected, dog parents reported the most social interaction, but 27% of people with other pets said they met their neighbors through their furry, peeled or springy companions. How did it happen? People talked about their pets over the fence, and sometimes these conversations even triggered social gatherings, especially when grandchildren were eager to meet a new type of pet.
Pets encourage awareness and focus
One way we can all be more aware is by noting the little things around us, and pets are good practice. Take, for example, cats. A cat's body language can be confusing at first, but by being attentive we can learn to understand them better, like the broken tail, which usually means irritation or anger.
In addition, a study found to have pets in the classroom increases social skills and academic reading skills significantly and reduces hyperactivity. At the same time, parents said that their children were more empathetic and caring at home.
Pets encourage healthy habits, in addition to physical exercise
Researchers say that the health benefits of pets go far beyond taking a dog for daily walks – positive interactions with pets trigger the release of oxytocin, endorphins and prolactin (a nourishing hormone) in humans, while stress hormones (cortisol) go down. And there is more good news: These positive chemical changes are also happening in your pet!
What does this mean for pet parents in addition to feeling hot and fuzzy around pets? First, research from the University of Maryland shows that pets can improve heart health by reducing stress and blood pressure. People had a better chance of recovering from a heart attack if they had a company with a cat companion than those who did not.
At the same time, another study investigated the effects of fish holding on juvenile diabetes, as cats and dogs are not the only pets that help us keep us healthy. They found that care of fish encourages children to link their own care to their pet's health-with fish that served as an effective reminder to control their blood sugar levels or take medication.
A similar result was observed in Alzheimer's patients. When Alzheimer's patients ate their meals in a room with a fish container, they for more, were less likely to require supplementary nutrition and even showed fewer behavioral problems associated with sunset syndrome.
Pets support resilience and recovery
Research has found that pets can provide benefits over time for people with a diagnosis of a long -term challenge for mental health. Pets offered emotional and social support and helped them develop a sense of security, routine and stability in times of need.
Psychiatric service dogs have proven to be advantageous for veterans with post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These specially trained companions provide environmental awareness, emotional soothing and intervention during panic attacks or nightmares. Studies show that veterans in combination with service dogs experience improved sleep, stronger family connections, more even reintegration in communities and even higher employment rates.
The petal's therapeutic power also extends to children. Mental health suppliers find that pets are particularly effective in helping children open up to talk about their feelings.
In response to the growing need for therapy pets, the Association of Animal-assisted intervention staff (AAAP) arose just two years ago. This organization provides training and certification for professionals as school advisors and psychologists, which allows them to integrate pets into their therapyraxis.
