How Having Pets Can Benefit Our Mental Health

~ Belle


In studies conducted, over 95% of owners see their pets as being family members. They bring joy to our lives no matter what our age may be, so naturally they will have a positive impact on our mental health.

1. Reduced stress and anxiety – Our Serotonin and Dopamine levels rise after just 5 minutes of playing with and cuddling our pets, further reducing levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone. The sensory act of stroking an animal also lowers blood pressure.


2. Having a purpose – Just like with children, our pets rely on us for their every need. They need to be fed and watered, bathed, cleaned out, played with, and walked, despite how we may be feeling in ourselves. When in the midst of a dip in my mental-health, all I want to do is sleep, to isolate myself, but I know that isn’t possible with having 7 animals.

As difficult as it may be for me to get myself up and out of bed at the time, in the long-run it will have a positive impact on my mood. Plus, it is totally worth the fight to look at adorable faces like this little one.

3. Prevent loneliness – My social circle is limited, as a result of my mental health issues. With borderline personality disorder comes rapid mood fluctuations, and my issues with anxiety have developed into agoraphobia, thus making it difficult for me to leave my home and socialise. Sadly, you can only turn down invitations so many times before people stop asking, only isolating you further.

However, this is where our pets bridge the gap. A benefit to having hedgehogs is that they’re nocturnal, meaning that I have them to keep me company when my two dogs are asleep. And you would be surprised by how comforting they can be, regardless of their quills.

4. Improved fitness – As previously mentioned, many pets require enrichment, meaning that you are getting exercise in the process. Whether it be taking your dog on a long walk along the canal, or throwing a ball around the garden, you are moving, and consequently getting those endorphins going in the process.

5. Less fearful – For many, dogs are also ‘guard dogs’, protecting both their homes and them/their family, and enabling them to sleep better at night, thus having a positive impact on your mental health.

For those of us struggling with anxiety, having a dog can also instill greater confidence in us to leave our homes. I know that when my agoraphobia was at its worst, taking my then only dog, Max, out for walks with a friend enabled me to expand my comfort zone. Seeing him so happy made me happy in the process, while I was partly distracted from my surroundings by having to focus on him, keeping him safe from the roads and passing dogs.


Do you have any pets? How do they help you?

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Published by Belle

26 thoughts on “How Having Pets Can Benefit Our Mental Health”

  1. Amazing post! I agree with everything you said here. I have a dog and he’s my best friend and the best companion I could ask for. I feel like I can tell him anything. Keep up the good work (:

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  2. There are so many people, who needs help regarding the same.

    keep up the good work, you are really doing great, sharing the post.

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  3. I agree with this. I had a dog years ago and cuddling him was so comforting when I was sick or sad or just not myself. There is something that feels great about a cuddle from a dog. He was also a huge comfort when I was home alone.

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  4. Interesting post on mental health. I’ve always wondered about the mental health of dogs and if that is something that can or has been studied.

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  5. Hi Belle,
    Fantastic post and great blog. Although I don’t keep any pets, I totally agree with you that having pets can benefit and maybe even improve our mental health. The fact that, as you say, the sensory act of stroking an animal also lowers blood pressure is enough for me to consider owning a dog.
    Keep up the good work 😀
    Best,
    Pedro

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    1. Hi, Pedro 😊 Thank you so much for both reading and leaving such a lovely comment. I’d definitely recommend welcoming a dog, once you’re ready – you’ll have a friend for life 😊 Best wishes.

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  7. I have to agree with you. I have a dog named Bucky and he really makes me feel special. Gotta love pets.

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  9. I’ve seen firsthand how pets help with anxiety and mental health issues. A beloved family member has four cats. He and his wife take care of the cats, love the cats like children – just like you write. Also, I have a cat at home and do find a lot of gratitude in simple things like petting her. But she tends to like to steal my warm seat, so sometimes I have to change seats at the dinner table. I guess she is just pranking me. I love my cat.

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    1. My two dogs are the exact same, as soon as I get up they’re straight in my seat. It’s a good job we love them. I see mine as my children, too.

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  12. People forget to think that there’s psychology involved with animals too! It’s incredible how they can help us in so many ways! Thanks for sharing

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  13. Pets are like babies. If you decide on owning one you have to be ready to take full responsibility for them. I completely agree with the points you mentioned in your post. They make our life better and happy.

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