Pets and their Invisible Health Benefits

Animals. Creatures who have been on the planet far longer than humans have, since the dawn of time itself. Along the path of evolution, certain species of animals were discovered to be tameable and brought into the homes of humans. These animals were kept for companionship, to be utilised, and sometimes even for show. Today, they are known as pets. Although many of us may not know it, pets provide a sense of comfort, love and security that are beyond the realms of our comprehension.

Cuddling up with a furry friend can bring many benefits to your physical and mental health. Over time, pets have evolved to tune in to human behaviour and emotions.

For example, dogs are not capable of comprehending a lot of the words we use, but they understand things like our tone, body language and gestures.

Animals like dogs and cats in particular are known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, they are also known to ease loneliness, encouraging more exercise and even improving cardiovascular health.

Studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression as compared to those without pets.

Something else discovered was that people who own pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations.

One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.

Furthermore, engaging in play with a dog, cat or any other pet can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine which calm and relax the mind. Pooja Anbalagan, a 21-year-old law student confirmed this statement.

“Playing with my dog whenever I’m sad or generally in a bad mood makes me feel better. It cheers me up and gives me a feeling of content,” she says.

Stroking, petting, or making other types of physical contact with a pet can soothe and calm a person when they’re anxious. In addition, the companionship a pet provides can also ease loneliness, and boost motivation to exercise (in the case of dogs). There are various methods in which pets can make an individual have healthy lifestyle changes. For example, taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run is a great way to increase your physical activity each day.

Pet owners definitely feel that their pets provide emotional support, particularly in times of stress, according to Megan Mueller, co-director of the Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction.

Being a pet owner can help prevent illness and boost your longevity, as well as help relieve depression. The companionship provided by a pet can assist in easing anxiety, comfort and build people’s confidence in particular for those who are anxious about venturing out into the world. Another method in which pets assist in improving health is by adding structure and consistency to their owner’s schedule.

This routine will slowly be established through the importance of keeping up to the pets’ eating schedules, potty breaks and walks (dogs or cats). No matter how stressed or depressed you are, your pet will need to be fed, exercised, and cared for. Since getting a dog, Sohana Ramesh’s schedule has changed greatly.

“Having a pet at home especially now, in times of a pandemic where there is lack of discipline and a structured schedule definitely helps put some organisation into my daily routine,” says the 21-year-old Psychology student.

This is guaranteed to establish a stable, coherent and productive schedule for pet owners.

Thus in trying times like these, it wouldn’t hurt to go out there, and get yourself a furry pal. It certainly pays off in the long run.