Top 4 Ways Our Pets Improve Our Health & Wellbeing

Many different things in our lives cause us to feel stressed – maybe you’re having a hard day at work or dealing with some personal issues. Most people resort to activities such as taking a walk, meditating, or reading a book to relieve stress, but did you know that just being around an animal could help too?

Animals can bring many benefits for both your physical and mental health – we’ve laid out a few below.

Exercise

Having a pet that encourages outdoor exercise can be very beneficial – getting outside for some fresh air can already be refreshing, but exercising can help with stress too. Studies have shown that exercising releases endorphins and lowers cortisol levels. This helps you to feel calmer, as endorphins act as a natural pain reliever and cortisol is a stress hormone, so reducing the levels can help to relieve some symptoms. Exercising doesn’t have to mean going for a run or a super long walk, even just a short trip down the road can bring the same benefits.

It can be tricky to get the motivation to exercise when you’re feeling stressed, which is why a pet, such as a dog, can help to give you that little push. Many people find it easier to complete tasks when they’re for someone else, so knowing that your dog has to be walked is a great motivator. You should find that you start to feel a bit better once you do make it outside.

Walking with a dog can also help those who suffer from agoraphobia or anxiety to feel safer when outdoors. Having a furry protector by your side can make you feel less vulnerable and more confident to explore new routes.

Mental Benefits

Stroking pets can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, making us feel more relaxed. This can also help to combat the symptoms of some mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as reducing loneliness.

Having a lower-maintenance pet, such as a cat, can be great for older people that may struggle with feeling lonely. It can give them a companion and sense of purpose without requiring a lot of maintenance. Dogs are great companions too that bring many mental benefits, but some elderly people with more limited mobility may struggle to give them the care and attention that they need.

Lowers Blood Pressure

As being around animals can make you feel relaxed, it can also reduce your blood pressure. Studies have shown that people with pets have lower blood pressure than those without – with some hypertension patients who adopted dogs from shelters seeing a significant reduction in just five months.

Even if you don’t suffer from hypertension, it’s important to do what you can to stay in control of your blood pressure. Increases in blood pressure are usually caused by stress, so having an animal companion around can help to maintain healthy levels.

Purring

Most cat lovers tend to stroke their pets when they’re feeling stressed as they find it calming. Part of the reason is likely because cats purr within a range of 20-140Hz, which is known to be medically therapeutic for illnesses. As mentioned previously, cats are fairly low-maintenance pets, especially if they are outdoor cats. Not only can their purring help you when you feel stressed, but they are loving animals that can provide you with comfort through cuddles and head nudges.

Animals are wonderful and can really benefit your health, but it’s important to ensure your lifestyle could accommodate their needs before committing. Make sure that you are in a stable home, have enough free time, and are financially secure enough to buy food, and accessories and to fork out for any pricey vet bills. If you said yes to those questions, start doing your research on your chosen pet to ensure there’s nothing else you need to be aware of.

If you’re lucky enough to be in a position to get a pet, you could be improving both your life and theirs – particularly if you adopt from an animal rescue or shelter. We would recommend visiting your nearest one and having a look around, the staff will be able to advise you on which pet would be best for you as well.

Chris Brady

Meet The Author

Chris gained a degree from a top London university in wildlife conservation, and has since shared his love of animals through a series of blog posts. In his spare time, Chris enjoys playing with his two cats, who both inspire and distract him when it comes to his writing!