7 Wellbeing Benefits of Owning a Pet

Did you know that having a furry friend could make your life more joyful? In one worldwide
study of 250,000 people, it was discovered that pet owners were 22% happier than those
without an animal companion, with a happiness score of 59.3 compared to 36.8. So if you’ve
been feeling a little blue lately, spending time with a loving dog, purring cat or fluffy rabbit
could be just what you need to bring some sunshine to your days.

But how do animals actually help with your mood? To learn more, we’ve taken a look at
some of the top well-being benefits and how they could spark positive change in your life.

1. Reduce Feelings of Loneliness

Loneliness is a serious physical and mental health problem, with prolonged isolation leading
to problems like depression and insomnia. Fortunately, though, there are lots of ways to fight
back against loneliness, including bringing a pet into your life, spending time with family
members and their animals or volunteering.

Over a quarter of people report feeling less lonely thanks to their pet, with general optimism
about day-to-day life higher. If you’re dealing with being alone, a cuddly companion by your
side could be just what you need.

Many people talk to their pets and enjoy feeling both wanted and needed. Life, noise, and
another presence in the house can transform well-being, taking focus away from negative
problems and providing love when you need it the most. After all, who doesn’t want to come
home to a purring cat, a happy dog, or a chirping bird?

2. Improve Therapy Sessions

Millions of people have changed their life for the better by going to therapy. Whether you’re
grieving the loss of a loved one, struggling with mental illness, or just feeling a bit hopeless,
a therapist can help you overcome your hurdles and find a light at the end of the tunnel. But
opening up isn’t always easy.

That’s where animals come in. Animal-assisted therapy uses pets to aid in treatment
processes and create a calmer, more relaxed space for patients. It’s also been shown to
improve relationships between patients and professionals, helping you feel closer to your
therapist in order to share your story.

If you’re thinking of giving therapy a go, don’t underestimate the presence of a pet! Having a
loving animal by your side may be just what you need to build your confidence.

3. Increase Happy Hormones in Your Body

If you find yourself feeling genuinely happier around animals, you’re not alone.

It’s been proven that stroking or playing with a pet – be it a cat, dog, or any other animal you
have a bond with – releases dopamine and serotonin in your body. These are known as
happy hormones, and they’re responsible for positive feelings of wellbeing and euphoria. In
other words, they make you feel good!

Dopamine and serotonin come with a whole heap of benefits, including improving focus and
motivation and helping fight depression. When you’re feeling low, time with a pet is a great
way to turn your mood around on a chemical level.

4. Lower Stress Levels

Aside from increasing dopamine and serotonin, time with animals is also linked to a
decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. Pet owners also tend to have lower blood pressure
on average than people without pets, which is linked to stress and a notable health benefit.

The end result is that you’re likely to feel calmer around animals. You may find anxiety levels
are reduced, and your mind is diverted away from stressful situations, with less brain fog
allowing for clearer thinking. For people with chronic stress, anxiety, or PTSD, all of this can
be game-changing.

5. Improve Your Physical Health

Moving away from mental health, studies have proven that pets also have a positive effect
on physical health. Animal owners tend to have far lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels,
for example, keeping your heart healthier and disease at bay.

Dog owners, too, have been discovered to live longer after a heart attack. Just by having a
four-legged friend in your house, your chances of surviving a heart attack are 33% higher
after hospitalisation than those without a pup, showing just important animals are to health.

6. Spend More Time Outdoors

If you have an animal that spends a lot of time outdoors, be it a dog, cat, guinea pig, or
horse, you’re going to be encouraged to get outside with them.

Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for well-being. More physical exercise is
great for just about every part of your body, from your heart to your joints, and staying active
improves mental health, too.

Surrounding yourself with nature comes with a range of mental health perks, as well. In fact,
many therapists incorporate time amongst a natural landscape in their treatment
programmes, noting that greenery and fresh air are Mother Earth’s mood boosters.
To feel the full benefits of more time outdoors, research which breed would best suit you that
gives you a reason to get up and out. Pop on your pup’s lead, grab your water bottle, and
increase your well-being with outdoor dog adventures.

7. Learn to Live in the Moment

It’s easy to get stuck thinking of past mistakes or worrying about the future, but this isn’t
good for your mental well-being. Mindfulness, though, has been shown to have numerous
benefits, including:

• Improving emotional understanding and control
• Reducing stress
• Improving focus
• Helping create better relationships

Pets are a fantastic example of how to live mindfully. They’re in the moment, focusing only
on the joy found here and now, and not worrying about the past or future.

We can all learn to be a little more present by watching our pets. The next time you’re
spiralling, spend some time with an animal and join them in their mindfulness.

Final Words

If you’re looking for ways to improve your well-being, owning a pet should definitely be high
on your list! Just be sure to educate yourself on animal needs before choosing the right
furry friend for your home, and stock up on the essentials at petplace.

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Blog written by guest, Sophie Bishop