How Pets Help With Mental Health

Chispa Magazine-Cat TherapyPets are a valuable part of their families for good reasons. Cats protect us against small rodents and dogs protect our homes. Other pets also work in small and large ways to make our lives a little better. From fish to ferrets, all types of pets join our families and offer some sort of comfort and entertainment. Having a pet can also help with maintaining and even improving mental health.

Although therapy animals are known for being good for our mental health, studies have shown that having a pet, in general, can have a positive impact on our life. From a decrease in stress to an increase in social interactions, here are some of the ways that pets help us maintain good mental health.

Decrease in Depression and Stress
Recent studies have shown recently that having a pet not only reduces depression and stress but also helps people suffering from anxiety. Multiple studies have shown that there are physical and mental signs of stress reduction when a person pets a dog or cat. The action of petting a cat or dog, observing fish swimming, or watching other pets play has been shown to reduce stress. Having a pet means that there is always someone there to love and interact with, which also decreases depression in pet owners. Plus, pets tend to distract their owners from the stresses of the rest of the day. By focusing on your pet, depression, and anxiety can be decreased.

Part of the Family
A wonderful thing about cats, dogs, and other pets is that they love their humans unconditionally. If they are shown love, they will reciprocate. Not only does having a pet give you a feeling that you’re not alone they are with you during daily routines. Pets have to have a set schedule for eating and going outside. This means that their owners are on the same schedule, and it is healthy to have a routine. Pets are also great listeners.

Although they do not offer advice, they can be good sounding boards. Since pets are such an important part of our lives, it can be difficult to see them in pain. Pets can be afflicted with many of the same diseases that humans are, from anxiety to seizures. Products like Canna-Pet, remedies made from hemp and other natural products can be valuable tools to help pets who are in pain.

Increased Social Interactions
Having a pet not only means that you have another living creature with you; it also can send you out into the world more. When visiting the dog park, go out for a walk, or pick up your dog at the kennel, you will likely run into other dog owners. This will often lead you into conversation with those people, and increased social interaction is good for your mental health.

Whether you have a licensed therapy pet or a regular pet, there are many benefits to having a pet. Not only are there physical benefits; there are also many mental health benefits to be found. From an increase in socialization to a decrease in stress, having a pet is a sound choice.

Photo by Max Ogden

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Mia Guerra

Mia Guerra

Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine
Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine, Mia Guerra is a writer at heart. Regardless the topic, she loves to investigate, encourage, and ruminate on topics that can make us better people. Aiming to live a Proverbs 31 life, Mia is ecstatic to be following her calling with Chispa. At home she is her husband's sidekick and together they are raising a God-fearing family in Atlanta.

Mia Guerra

Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine, Mia Guerra is a writer at heart. Regardless the topic, she loves to investigate, encourage, and ruminate on topics that can make us better people. Aiming to live a Proverbs 31 life, Mia is ecstatic to be following her calling with Chispa. At home she is her husband's sidekick and together they are raising a God-fearing family in Atlanta.