Pets: The Key to Better Mental Health?

Evidence has shown that pets can have a positive mental effect on owners, specifically by offering a source of companionship and reducing feelings of anxiety and stress [1]. 

Owning a dog, for instance, has been linked to helping with depression, as taking the dog for a walk encourages owners to get exercise, clear their mind, and sometimes even meet other dog owners, which can promote socialisation and help limit feelings of loneliness. Even stroking a pet can have a soothing effect on owners [1]! The act of playing with a dog or cat has actually been linked to increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body, two chemicals that contribute to calmness and happiness [2].

Children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can benefit from owning a pet, as the routine of keeping one has been linked to helping children learn the importance of responsibility and planning. Older adults owning pets, specifically individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s, also tend to have fewer anxiety attacks and outbursts [1]. In fact, adults 65 and older who own pets make 30% fewer visits to their doctor compared to non-pet owners [2].

New research has also shown that individuals owning pets claimed to have better mental health and reduced feelings of loneliness during COVID-19-related lockdowns compared to non-pet owners [3, 4].

According to the study published in PLOS ONE, “more than 90% of respondents said their pet helped them cope emotionally with the lockdown and 96% said their pet helped keep them fit and active” [4]. Interestingly, the type or species of pet did not seem to matter much either; for instance, dog owners tended to have the same emotional closeness to their pet and related mental health benefits as fish owners [4].

So does this mean we should all go out and buy or adopt a pet to protect our mental health? Well, not necessarily. While authors of the study did acknowledge that their findings were important in showing how pets and companion animals can help to mitigate some of the psychological stresses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, they also said the findings are not likely to be of clinical significance [4].

To all the pet owners out there: do you find your pet improves your mood and feelings of depression, stress, or loneliness? Let us know in the comments!

References:

1. Pets and mental health [Internet]. Mental Health Foundation. 2020 [cited 9 October 2020]. Available from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/pets-and-mental-health
2. Lundgren K, Robinson L, Segal R. The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets [Internet]. HelpGuide. 2020 [cited 9 October 2020]. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
3. Ratschen E, Shoesmith E, Shahab L, Silva K, Kale D, Toner P et al. Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2020 [cited 9 October 2020];15(9):e0239397. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239397
4. University of York. Pets linked to maintaining better mental health and reducing loneliness during lockdown, new research shows [Internet]. ScienceDaily. 2020 [cited 9 October 2020]. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200926145210.htm

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