How Pets Affect Mental Health
There is a correlation between pets and mental health.
Adding a pet to your life is a big commitment. By getting a pet, you agree to take care of another creature for the rest of their life. You have to consider the time and money you'll need to invest in pet care. On the flip side, having a pet has a lot of rewards, including mental health benefits.
People of all ages find that having a pet improves their mood, lowers their stress, and eases loneliness. The responsibilities of pet care aren't a chore — they're a soothing routine that helps people focus and organize their days. Pets provide love and companionship to their owners in good times and bad.
Two Ways Pets Can Improve Mental Health
Every pet owner instinctively knows that pets make them feel good. Whether it's a dog greeting you at the door or a cat purring contentedly in your lap, your pet is there to offer unconditional love and acceptance. But, there is real science behind the benefits of owning pets. The benefits of animal companions range from heart health to helping with stress and anxiety.
Companionship. Living with a pet means you have someone with you whenever you're at home. Pet owners say that they feel less alone compared to people who don't own pets. Pets can also help you connect with other people around you. For example, dog owners tend to meet their neighbors and connect with people in their community.
Healthy routines. Having a pet means having to take care of their needs every day. Setting up a schedule for feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet is a good way to provide stability and predictability in your life. For people struggling with anxiety or depression, routines offer an important feeling of control. For children, taking care of a pet builds a sense of responsibility. This may help kids with all kinds of relationships in life.
Meet my Dixie, she is the newest addition to my family. She is a 4mo old toy poodle and we can’t say enough about how she has added to my mental health and happiness. To many more years to come…..
Till next time,
-Misty