Pets, especially dogs and cats, have always been beloved companions, but their true value became especially clear during the pandemic. With lockdowns and quarantines forcing many people to stay at home, pets became a comforting presence that helped keep people sane when they were stuck in cities or isolated in hostels, with no one else to interact with.
Though the benefits of pets became most obvious during the past few years, scientists have been studying their impact on mental health for a long time, and their findings confirm what many pet owners already know: pets play a significant role in improving mental wellbeing.
The impact of pets isn’t just for people who are dealing with mental health issues—they benefit everyone, and we’ll explain why in this article. Let’s dive in!
1. They’re Great Companions – Even If You Don’t Live Alone
Living with people doesn’t always mean you’re never lonely. You can live in a full dorm or share a home with your family and still feel isolated, especially now when many people are either working or studying from home. During the past couple of years, loneliness has been a growing issue, with many people reporting feelings of depression from being stuck at home.
In situations like these, having a pet—whether it’s a dog or a cat—can make a world of difference. Simply having them by your side while you work or play, or even just curling up together, can improve your mood. The unconditional love pets offer and the way they follow you around can be especially comforting, helping you feel connected even on your loneliest days.
This is also why people dealing with PTSD and other emotional challenges often have emotional support animals. Pets can help them cope with daily life by providing comfort and reducing feelings of isolation.
2. Stress and Anxiety – An All-Time Low
Many schools and workplaces have started bringing dogs into their environments to help reduce stress. Research shows that spending time with animals—especially dogs—can significantly lower anxiety and stress levels. This has proven especially useful in places like college dorms, where students often feel overwhelmed during exams. Spending time petting or playing with a dog gives them a chance to relax and clear their minds.
In workplaces, employees can also take breaks with dogs to recharge and reset when the workday gets too stressful. Pets, especially dogs, are natural mood boosters. Just a few minutes of interaction can make a huge difference on a tough day.
For your own pets, you can also help them manage stress with supplements like CBD oil for dogs, which can help calm anxiety and improve their sleep patterns. This is a great way to keep your pet mentally and physically healthy while also improving your own wellbeing.
3. They Keep You Physically Active
When you live alone, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of depression or inactivity, especially when you don’t have much motivation to get out of bed. In these moments, a pet can be a life-changer. Having a dog or cat requires you to get up and take care of them—feeding them, walking them, or simply playing with them. This simple act can be the push you need to get moving.
For many people, the hardest part is getting started. Once you’ve taken that first step out of bed to care for your pet, the day often becomes more productive. You might find yourself checking off tasks you’d been putting off, or simply feeling better by getting some fresh air with your furry friend.
For those struggling with stress, anxiety, or loneliness, pets can be the perfect motivator to stay active and engaged in life, even on days when it feels tough.
In conclusion, pets offer more than just companionship—they can significantly improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Whether it’s providing comfort during lonely moments, helping you reduce stress, or giving you the motivation to stay active, pets have a way of making life a little bit easier. They’re not just for people facing mental health challenges, but for anyone looking to improve their quality of life and stay connected, especially in uncertain times.
