The Benefits of Pet Ownership

FOUR FANTASTIC WAYS THAT PETS CAN BENEFIT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

There are over 28 million pets in Spain, according to the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers. For the vast majority of their humans, they are just another member of the family. Many people travel, spend their leisure time, and entertain themselves with their pets, and in moments of stress, more than one blogger, influencer, and celebrity has espoused the unique sense of calm and companionship that pets can bring. If you are thinking of adding a new addition to your household, the following benefits of pet ownership may just inspire you to take the

plunge. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

DEPRESSION AND LONELINESS

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that, at times when you feel like everyone has let you down, nothing lifts your spirit and ‘brings you back to life’ like your pet resting its head on your shoulder. Pets provide a sense of companionship and unconditional friendship that can sometimes be hard to find in two-footed creatures. One 2019 Florida State University study found that after painful, life-changing experiences (such as the loss of a loved one), furry friends can ease depression and help you feel less lonely.

PETS STRENGTHEN YOU IN CHALLENGING TIMES

If, like millions of people across the globe, you struggled with the mental effects of the current global health crisis, know that having a pet can help. A 2020 survey by University of York researchers found that pets acted as an important buffer against psychological stress during the lockdown. Over 90 per cent of those surveyed said that their pet helped them cope emotionally and 96 per cent said that having a pet assisted them in keeping fit and active. The great news for those who live with more than one pet is that each exerts a positive effect on your health. As stated by the researchers, “the strength of the emotional bond with pets does not statistically differ by animal species… people in our sample felt on average as emotionally close to, for example, their guinea pig as they felt to their dog.”

DOGS CAN HELP BOOST TEEN SPIRIT

If you have moody teens at home, having a pet can help them feel more optimistic. Lindsay Ellsworth, a doctoral student at Washington State University, organises meet-ups where teens who are battling substance abuse can play with, brush, and feed dogs. Ellsworth reports that “one of the most robust effects of interacting with the dogs is increased joviality. Some of the words the (teens) use to describe their moods after working with the dogs are “excited,” “energetic,” and “happy.”

PET VIDEOS CAN TAKE YOU TO A HAPPY PLACE

If you thought that you had to physically live with a pet to benefit from its moodboosting power, think again! Indiana University researchers found that simply watching cute cat videos has a far more profound effect on your mental state than it may seem. Their study questioned almost 7,000 people. The results showed that videos of cats playing and being silly made viewers feel more energetic and positive and reduced the number of negative emotions. It also gave audiences great pleasure. Interestingly, many of those surveyed said they watched Internet cats while they were studying or at work. The researchers said, “Even if they are watching cat videos on YouTube to procrastinate or while they should be working, the emotional pay-off may actually help people take on tough tasks afterwards.”

Living with pets, playing with them, or simply watching videos of them online can benefit your mental health in powerful ways. On a longterm basis, pets can battle stress and loneliness and provide you with unconditional companionship. In the short term, being with pets can lift your mood, make you feel more energetic, and put you in a positive frame of mind when you are working or studying. As the saying goes, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” e