Pets: Are they good for mental health?

By: Rachel Wang

Pets are a beloved member of every household that owns them. Whether it be a fluffy cat, large dog, or tiny fish, they almost always make the lives of those around them better in some way.

From a therapeutic standpoint, one might wonder: Are pets good for mental health? Research-backed sources say yes. According to the National Institutes of Health, interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (stress hormone) as well as lower blood pressure. Furthermore, pets may help to reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost mood. Owning certain pets might also encourage higher levels of physical activity—for example, walking your dog—which has been proven to reduce stress and boost mood.

Dogs especially have the potential to assist in more specialized cases of mental health. For instance, therapy dogs have been used to help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety levels in hospitals and nursing homes. A study also found that dogs may possibly aid in the lives of children with ADHD; however, more research is needed to make a substantiated claim.

Finally, if the above is not enough to prove the uplifting effects of owning a pet, an American Psychiatric Association poll found that 86% of pet owners said their pets have an overall positive impact on their mental health, with dog and cat owners being the most likely to say so. People don’t just love their pets because they’re cute—they appreciate them for being a constant source of warmth and companionship that brightens even the worst days.

If you have a pet, don’t forget to give them a hug today (or some extra fish food)! If you don’t have a pet but have the resources to get one, it could be worth thinking about—you might be surprised by how much a furry companion can brighten your days.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) – 368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources: The Power of Pets | NIH News in Health, Psychiatry.org – Poll of US Pet Owners