Stress is a symptom of being human. Whether it’s related to work, family, friends, or the state of the world, everyone is familiar with the chest-tightening, nausea-inducing panic of stress.
In recent years, everyday stressors have been joined by worldwide problems related to the health of our planet and communities. Surveys found that 3 out of 4 Americans name the state of the nation as a significant source of stress.
Everyone deals with stress differently, but one common way to unwind is to add a furry friend to your family. According to the American Pet Products Association, around 70% of Americans owned a pet as of 2021.
Nothing beats coming home to the affection of a beloved pet. But what exactly is the role that pets play in health? For example, do pets help reduce stress and pain? Keep reading to find out why you might want to consider adopting a furry friend.
Health Benefits of Pets
They get you out of bed and moving on sunny days and keep you occupied inside when the weather is bad. Few pleasures trump snuggling up with a pet on a rainy day. Keep reading to learn about the many health benefits of pets.
1. Pets Improve Your Physical Health
Pets may also be instrumental in pain management, especially for those who suffer from chronic pain. Stress makes chronic pain worse since the release of cortisol causes tight muscles and increases inflammation. Pets help relieve stress by reducing cortisol levels to increase positive feelings throughout the day and reduce tension across the body.
2. Pets Reduce Stress
Reducing stress isn’t only good for pain management. Pets’ impact on cortisol is one of their most significant benefits. Cortisol, the stress hormone, causes many problems in the body, such as tight muscles, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and digestion issues. The simple act of petting a dog is enough to reduce cortisol levels.
People are calmer around their pets than anybody else. One study showed that when asked to perform a task either alone, with their spouse, with their pet, or with their spouse and pet- most people chose to work with their pet alone. Pets do not judge or criticize; they don’t have good moods and bad moods. Instead, they offer support and love unconditionally.
Dog’s noses are so sensitive that they can smell a change in hormones. So when your stress levels go up, your dog will know and seek you out to comfort you. PAD, or psychiatric assistance dogs, are service dogs for people with PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These dogs are trained to detect and deter stress in their partners.
At the same time that pets reduce cortisol, they trigger the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a feel-good hormone that makes us feel loved and protected. With this potent combination of reduced stress and an increase in love, it’s no wonder people fawn over dogs and cats whenever they come across them!
3. Pets Keep Your Mind Healthy
Pets are increasingly prevalent in senior living centers for these exact reasons. Seniors who had regular access to an animal were less lonely and more active. Pets also help people to live in the moment, a valuable resource for someone with increasingly poor health as they age.
Is There a Link?
One study on Animal-Assisted Therapy suggests that youths in juvenile detention centers were more empathetic after several weeks of walking a dog. In addition, studies show that children with pets tend to have more confidence, self-esteem, and better social skills.
Animals also teach children valuable life lessons about life and death. Since animals’ lives are so much shorter than our own, most children will lose a pet at some point in their youth. Parents can use the death of a beloved animal to shape their child’s reaction to death for the rest of their lives.
Pets, Stress, & Pain
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
