In the coming season of comfort, joy and gratitude, be sure to remember your pets when you’re giving thanks.
“Whether it’s your dog’s enthusiastic greeting when you come home or your cat’s comforting purr as they snuggle next to you, pets play a significant role in enhancing our emotional and physical well-being. Research shows that all this joy, love, and companionship helps us live a longer, healthier and happier life!” says Dr. Laurie Brush, DVM and founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.
Here are some ways pets improve your well-being:
1. Pets Improve Your Mental Health
Pets are natural stress-relievers. Numerous studies have shown that interacting with pets can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that interacting with dogs or cats reduces cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Reduced stress contributes to better long-term health and longevity, as chronic stress is linked to premature aging and various health issues.
2. Pets Keep You Active
If you’re a dog owner, you know that daily walks are not just a responsibility but a gift. Regular walks promote physical activity, which improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and lowers the risk of chronic illnesses. Even playing with a cat can increase your activity level. Research from the CDC shows that dog owners are more likely to meet daily exercise recommendations.
3. Pets Make You Laugh
Pets have an uncanny ability to bring laughter and joy into our lives. A Central Michigan University study published in Society & Animals found that pet owners, especially dog owners, laugh more frequently than non-pet owners. This laughter boosts your mood, reduces stress hormones, and enhances overall happiness.
4. Pets Offer Unconditional Love and Companionship
Perhaps one of the most remarkable traits of pets is their ability to provide unwavering love and loyalty. This companionship can be life-changing. A study in Frontiers in Psychology showed that pets provide comfort and emotional stability, particularly for people living alone or facing mental health challenges. A large-scale study published in Circulation showed that people over 65 who owned dogs had a 33% lower risk of mortality, thanks to the physical and emotional support pets provide.
Your pet offers you so much—physical health, emotional support, laughter, and love. By showing gratitude to your pet through extra attention, treats, or affection, you’re not only reinforcing your bond but also acknowledging the incredible ways they enhance your life.