Mental health is one of the significant issues of our time, and we are finally starting to treat it properly. Different people will struggle to maintain mental health differently, but it all begins with awareness.

One of the best ways to maintain good mental health is adopting a furry companion. The physical and psychological health benefits that can accompany the pleasure of a furry friend are tremendous.

With COVID-19 forcing many of us to be isolated at home with limited contact, even now, having a pet around could be a literal lifesaver, providing us with companionship and stability.

How Can Pets Help Maintain Good Mental Health?

Pets Can Reduce Stress and Manage Anxiety

It’s proven that pets can help reduce stress levels simply by being around. Studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression. Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are vital to helping us calm down and relax. Animals live in the moment, so they don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow. This can help you overcome anxiety and stress by reminding you to be mindful of the present. All of this can help maintain mental health.

Pet Owners are at a Lower Risk of Heart Attacks

Pets help lower blood pressure, and some studies have even shown that people with borderline hypertension can see positive results in their blood pressure in under six months. Owning a pet also has a positive impact on cholesterol, showing that pet owners have lower cholesterol levels than those without pets. The companionship that pets offer provides stress relief; reducing stress is an excellent way to improve health for someone with a heart condition.

Pets Help Children Grow into Confident and Secure Adults

Caring for an animal is one of the most rewarding experiences a child can have. It teaches them to be responsible for another life and helps them learn things like empathy and social skills. Pets can help children with their learning. Educators have long used animals (mainly dogs) as a form of therapy in schools to help developmentally challenged kids learn.

Pets Combat Loneliness by Providing Companionship

Loneliness is one of the critical triggers for depression and stress. Having a pet can help you overcome that, not only by providing companionship themselves but also by increasing opportunities to meet new people at pet shops, vets, or in the park.

Owning a Pet increases your Physical Activity.

Physical health has a direct impact on your mental wellbeing. Having a pet means you are more likely to be physically active, especially if you own a dog you need to walk several times a day. Still, even cats and other animals can inspire you to get up off the couch and do something to maintain mental health and your physical wellbeing!

Adding Structure and Routine to Your Day

Having a pet means you are responsible for their wellbeing, which means ensuring they have enough food, freshwater, exercise, and are well taken care of. For many people, this generates a routine—eg. Change water morning, night; clean cat litter, feed, walk.

Having a Pet in your Older Years can Help Maintain Mental Health

Sometimes, it becomes harder to find joy as we get older, especially if we’re all alone. Having a pet can alleviate these issues by giving us meaning again, providing us with someone to care for. Moreover, you stay connected with other pet owners by visiting dog parks, pet cafes, etc. that provide great opportunities for the elderly to meet other people with (or without) pets of their own, to form new friendships, or at the very least have good social conversations with other people.

Pets help adults with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia

There is some suggestion that animals are better able to communicate and connect with people suffering from life-altering diseases like Alzheimers and dementia. By providing stress relief and support, even non-trained companion animals can be a boon to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

However, there are some aspects to consider before committing to pet ownership – the person with dementia/Alzheimer’s may not want to interact with a pet, or their care might take up too much of your time, leaving little time left to take care of the pet. In such a case, it’s possible to try visits from regular pets instead of owning them outright.

Food for Thought

Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives. Many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of having pets. Most importantly, having a pet is fun. Whether it is a dog, cat, bird, or ferret, owning an animal brings enjoyment to any household.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Make sure to also check in with yourself—physically and mentally. This includes having a lifestyle that could commit to taking care of a pet and being financially responsible for providing them with the best care.

However, suppose you’re worried about the worst scenario, which results in leaving behind family, friends, and your beloved furry companions. In that case, it might put your mind at ease to look into securing health insurance for yourself. Remember, reducing stress is one of the most critical steps to maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life!

Ways to keep your furry friend entertained.

And if you already have a pet. Here are some ways to keep your fur best friend occupied too!