How Pets Impact our Mental Health

Pets are the best! Currently about 58% of Canadian households have at least one pet- and the numbers continue to rise. For years the correlation between pets and having positive mental health impacts has been undeniable. So much so that animals have been included in multiple forms of therapy such as equine therapy and stress reduction therapies. Animal therapies show the best results when paired with a comprehensive treatment plan. However, pets do not have to be certified therapy or service animals to have positive impacts on our mental health.

One of the most impactful mental health benefits owning a pet provides is companionship. Your pet (dog, cat, lizard, horse, chickens, etc.) helps create feelings of belonging, unconditional love and acceptance while decreasing loneliness. This in turn can boost your mood by releasing serotonin and dopamine. We know that increased social support helps mitigate depression and depressive symptoms, owning a pet does the same. This is particularly evident in elderly populations as well as in youth who have experienced bullying or who feel out of step with others. It has been shown that in retirement homes that regular visits from therapy animals increased cognitive functioning and decreased symptoms of depression. 

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia  have been noted to respond particularly well to pets. Research conducted at the University of California found that Alzheimer’s patients experience less stress and display fewer anxious outbursts when they share their home with a dog or cat. Interestingly, being exposed to a vibrant aquarium or fish tanks also has notable calming effects.  In one study, people at an Alzheimer’s facility who dined in front of aquariums ate more, acquired better nutrition, and were less prone to pacing. They were also more attentive and less lethargic. Frequently challenging behaviours demonstrated in Alzheimer’s patients arise from the stress experienced by the primary caregiver. Pets have demonstrated their ability to alleviate this stress.

Pets also have been attributed to increasing their owner’s physical activity, most notably dogs. This tends to come from creating a structured routine that is required for the daily care of a pet. The most significant finding in multiple studies, including those released by the American Heart Association, is that owning a pet (dog) increases heart health. 

It has been shown that owning a dog lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, encouraging exercise, and potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease; the simple act of petting a pet can even help lower blood pressure and improve overall well-being.

To get these positive benefits doesn’t mean you have to own a pet. Visit your friends, volunteer at a local shelter or consider pet sitting. Ultimately,   spending time with any animal you like goes a long way and can help make you the best version of yourself!