Can Pets Really Improve Your Mental Health?

Having a pet in the home certainly changes our day-to-day life in huge ways. 

Pets bring out the nurturing side of their humans, and, in turn, they become better caregivers, but how can having a pet improve a person’s own wellness? Mental health is impacted by many factors and is, in some ways, far less straightforward than caring for your physical health.

When your body is hurt, your brain sends out signals to alert you of the problem, but the same can’t be said for emotional turmoil. 

Many people struggle with regulating their mental state — acknowledging feelings, coping with overwhelming emotions, etc. — but having a pet to care for is proven to have a positive effect on mental clarity and overall condition. A pet will be integrated into almost every part of their owner’s life, and the consistency of their unconditional love can be some of the most valuable support.

So, yes, there absolutely is a strong connection between having pets and mental well-being, and we’ll explore the various ways in which this is true.  

The Power of Companionship

Our pets depend on us to meet their basic needs, offer affection, and, of course, keep them entertained. Caring for a pet requires time management and an organized chain of priorities.

Also, in many ways, the type of day a pet has is entirely based on the type of day their owner has, and this sense of mutual dependence is partly what makes the bond between owner and pet so strong. 

At the same time, our pets provide their own form of care through the love, support, and friendship they offer. Companionship is an important part of living a well-rounded and healthy life, and your beloved pet can play a vital role in maintaining a positive mental state.

Even your simple daily interactions can have an effect on your positivity and productivity.

Having a four-legged friend waiting at the door when coming home from work every day can make a world of difference in a person’s outlook on life. Pets offer unconditional love for the price of your affection (plus treats, too!), and they can provide a sense of purpose during tough times.

A survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that 86% of pet owners reported an overall positive impact on their mental health.

Commenting on the study, APA President Rebecca Brendel, M.D., J.D. noted that “the animals we bring into our lives and our families play many roles from non-judgmental companions that we love to key partners in reducing our stress and anxiety.”

Pets Help Establish a Routine 

When you have a pet, it is important to get them used to a schedule. Pets thrive when they know what to expect out of their day, and they’ll start to pick up on your daily habits quickly. 

Eventually, your pet will rely on this routine to set them up for a productive day, and you will too. A routine can help take the guesswork out of daily tasks and keep a living space more organized. 

There isn’t a standard schedule that works for every pet; the ins and outs of your daily routine with your pet depend on how you live. Regardless of what it looks like, a routine can help a pet owner avoid forgetting important tasks and better understand their four-legged friend’s needs. 

A daily schedule can give pet owners a sense of purpose in their day, which can motivate them to get up and work through their schedule, even on their hardest days. 

Pet Ownership and Stress Reduction 

Having a pet is directly linked to stress reduction and can help people with anxiety cope with symptoms like panic attacks. Many pets are even trained as service dogs to respond to their owner’s anxious behaviors 

The connection between pets and mental health is undeniable. Studies reviewed by the American Heart Association show that while 40% of employees say work gets in the way of their health, having a pet in the workplace can visibly reduce stress levels and increase employee satisfaction. 

Workplace pets are not a new strategy, as high-stress environments like offices and universities often utilize the support of furry friends during important periods to boost morale. A pet will motivate productive behaviors like physical activity and organization, which can also have an effect on stress within the home.

Not to mention, cuddling up with your beloved pet after a stressful day can typically take the edge off!

Pet Therapy for Depression

Having a pet in the home can have a positive effect on a person’s mental health, but sometimes, a household cannot manage the responsibility of adding a furry friend. Pets like dogs and cats are often utilized in unorthodox treatment plans for concerns like depression and anxiety because of how their presence can facilitate the release of endorphins into the human body.

When a person interacts with animals, their oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin levels can all increase. Medical professionals often choose this technique to avoid overprescribing medicine.  

Impact on Physical Health

Physical health and mental health can be deeply intertwined. Lapsing on physical self-care can show up as mental health struggles, such as when a lack of activity causes excess energy, making us go haywire at the smallest stress.

Feeling down, on the other hand, can cause us to neglect our physical health, often causing a negative feedback loop that can drag our entire quality of life down.

Fortunately, having a pet can boost our ability to stick with positive exercise habits. Pets both encourage us to remain active and cause us to stay checked in with our own health and hygiene.

Studies show that having a pet in the home can:

• Improve cardiovascular health: People with pets are statistically reported to have less of a risk of dying from cardiovascular concerns. Pet ownership has a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It is even shown that heart attack patients recover faster when there is a pet at home. 

• Build positive physical activity habits: Dogs improving mental health is a given, but the same can be true for physical health too. Dog owners walk an average of 22 minutes more per day than non-owners. This simple daily activity can improve heart health, joint function, weight management, and overall mobility (for you and your dog).
• Prevent skin and respiratory conditions in young children: According to a study from the American College of Allergy, babies born in a home with a dog present during pregnancy receive protection from eczema and asthma, even children who are allergic to dogs. It is the exposure to pet-related allergens that boosts the infant’s immune response and helps them overcome a symptomatic response. 

Consider Adoption Carefully if You Want to Reap the Full Mental Health Benefits

While pets offer undeniable mental health benefits, the addition of a pet to a situation can only be a healthy solution if it is a good fit for everyone involved. Thinking about adding a pet to your family is a serious decision that takes ample consideration and thorough planning. 

Consider:

• Do I Have Enough Space For The Pet I Want? — Some pets will need more living space than others. For example, large breed dogs will not only need more spacious indoor areas to roam in but will also require enough outdoor room to play and exercise in.
• Will I Be Able to Dedicate Enough Time to a Pet? — All pets come with a time commitment. Feeding, exercising, grooming, and cleaning up their messes will need to be factored into each day around your own responsibilities at home and work. 

• Can I Afford the Costs Associated With Owning a Pet? — Aside from recurring expenses like food, grooming, and potty essentials (litter, doggie bags), a pet parent should be prepared for emergency expenses like vet bills and medication. 

• Do My Future Plans Line Up With This Long-Term Commitment? — Pets can be a commitment that lasts multiple decades, so you’ll need to account for them in your plans to relocate or otherwise change the living dynamic. For example, if you enter a relationship with a person who also has animals, you must introduce them carefully.

• How Will This Affect Other People or Pets in The Home? — Consider comfort levels and even health concerns. Cat and dog fur sensitivities affect 10-20% of people worldwide, for example. Think about the people who frequently come and go through your home and how they might be affected by your choice to bring home a pet. 

Your Furry Friends Are in Good Hands at Greenlin Hershey  

Your pet cares for you in a variety of ways: unconditional love, companionship, and endless cuddles. 

At Greenlin Pet Resorts in Hershey, we understand the significance of this bond, so we’re committed to providing the most comfortable and pet-centered amenities for our many services. You can trust that your beloved pet is in the hands of caring and experienced hosts, whether they’re here for an afternoon or a full-fledged vacation! 

The last thing we want is for your mental health to suffer from worry or stress when you can’t be there with your pet. That’s why we offer premier dog daycare and dog boarding in Hershey for when you can’t be there to look after them.

We can also help you train your dog to build even stronger connections while ensuring that your daily routines go as smoothly and stress-free as possible for all involved.

To learn more about how Greenlin in Hershey accommodates pets with all of our services, call us today at (717) 707-7900, contact us online, or stop by our Hershey location for a tour of the facility!