In my everlong quest to find more mental peace, I’m always looking for ways to improve mine and others’ mental health. Don’t you love it when you come in from a hard day’s work and your cat or dog is there waiting for you? In this post, we’re going to explore if pets are good for mental health and your overall wellbeing. Numerous studies have been done to see if owning a pet can improve your mental health. Simple things like being around, and stroking pets has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce emotional stress.
I myself have owned tropical fish and a cat in the past. I know the calming effects watching your fish tank can have, and I know that having a furry friend to pet can also be relaxing. So let’s look at some of the studies that show how pets are good for mental health.
Let’s look at the evidence that pets improve your mental health;
Cats and dogs are the most obvious choice when it comes to pet companions, but these pets can also improve your mental health as well as just being fun to be around. Many people think that owning a cat or ‘cats’ for example, is linked with being ‘a crazy cat person’ and that they can even damage your mental health. A 2011 study undergone by the mental health foundation and Cats Foundation found that 87% of cat owners felt their cats had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing and 76% said that owning their cats helped them deal with everyday tasks and emotions.
In another study looking at pets and mental health;
A 2006 10 year Canadian study looked at over 4000 folks aged between 30-75 and found that those who did not own a cat were 40% more likely to suffer with a heart attack or stroke. The research pointed towards the stress-relieving benefits of owning a cat. Interestingly, dog owners did not see the same benefits as the cat owners. I find this odd because dogs are generally more interactive with humans, we also have to walk dogs which lowers cholesterol and stress. Perhaps the cost and attention dogs need can result in higher stress and strains in the long run? What do you think?
Animal Therapy For Mental Health
Animal therapy is becoming a more and more used treatment for those with mental health issues. Animals are widely used in hospitals for children recovering from conditions for emotional support. The de-stressing benefits of animals being present has shown to be a big deal. However whilst the benefits of 4-legged creatures is obvious, more research is needed into the true effectiveness. All we know right now is, having pets around for your mental health is only a good thing. If you’ve had a pet for a long time, you’ll understand the joy that having a pet can bring.
Fish
Are pets good for your mental health? Get some fish! Fish have a way of grabbing people attention. The way they move and the bright lights of their tanks can be mesmerizing. Staff of a mental health institute found that when patients dined in front of fish they consumed more food and didn’t pace around as much as when they dined with only 4 walls surrounding them.
Another study carried out by the University of Exeter and Plymouth University in the UK, found that those who viewed sea life in an aquarium showed signs of less stress and had lower blood pressure than before they went into the aquarium. The study also found that an increase in fish inside the tanks only increased levels of relaxation.
I think this should be a no-brainer? How did you feel the last time you visited an aquarium? The last time I went to my local aquarium it was beautiful and relaxing. However, this experience can get expensive. Research points to getting your own fish tank in your home, no matter how small, will only lower excess and anxiety and stress. Fish are also less maintenance than pets like dogs and cats that have ongoing high costs. You really just need a fish tank, some fish, and the time to clean the tank now and again.
Rabbits
In a controlled study, a small group of ‘stressed adults’ were asked to pet animals like rabbits and turtles. The participants were asked to split into groups where each would be given a creature to hold and pet (even a tarantula!) in addition to this, they were given plush toy counterparts for the researchers to see if the anxiety-relieving effects of animals were also seen when toys were used. No stress relief was seen from those with the toys, but a huge decrease in anxiety and stress was seen in those who spent a short amount of time with a shelled or fluffy animal.
Horses
Like a rabbit or a guinea pig, spending time with a horse has also been shown to lower stress and anxiety. Horses are commonly used in PTSD treatment plans for adults and children and are one of the most commonly used animals in animal therapy. This goes back to the 1960’s when horses were first used for human mental health conditions. Perhaps the effectiveness of spending time with horses is down to their sheer majestic beauty, or the sense of looking after another large creature that needs love and care to flourish?
Dogs
Dogs don’t only provide good old fashioned love and support, this study shows that dogs can provide children with confidence. Children who found it difficult to read to others showed a huge improvement when they read out loud to a trained dog and a dog handler. The study suggests that children who struggled to read gained more confidence reading to dogs. This is not surprising, however, and can be put down to the calming nature of dogs. Furthermore, the simple fact that a dog will not judge your every word only increases relaxation and provides a lower pressure environment.
How Pets Really Help Your Mental Health
Going and buying a pet shouldn’t be a light act. After all, you’re giving an animal a home, no matter how big or small the pet might be. If you’re looking for a pet for mental health purposes, it’s important not to rush right to the pet store. You should only really get a pet that you think that you can keep up with. Most obviously, owning a horse might not make sense financially. Owning something like a dog or a cat might be better for your mental health as they fit in a little easier into everyday life. If you really want a hands-off pet for your mental health, it might be sensible to look at a cat or getting some fish.
When it comes down to it, the benefits of having a pet for your mental health lies in the connections you have with the animals. Pets always need you as much as you need them. Dogs for example will love you unconditionally, and whilst this shouldn’t be used as a total crutch for your anxiety or depression, this can really help people with mental health conditions open up and relax. I think that the fact your pet hangs on to your every word can be powerful. Cats and dogs don’t judge or speak down to you, they simply want to be around you. Connections are based on your need for each other and that can be really motivating for some.
Although these studies are mostly small controlled studies, they prove that pets are good for your mental health! Own a pet and think it has a good impact on your mental health? Leave a comment below!
Here’s to your success,
Sean
—
Previously published on Projectenergise.com.
—
***
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project and want to join our calls on a regular basis, please join us as a Premium Member, today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
Talk to you soon.
—
Photo credit: Sean Clarke