THE POWER OF PETS: Mental & Physical Health Benefits of Human-Animal Companionship

FOR MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE LOST IN THEIR MINDS, SO MUCH INVOLVED IN THEIR THOUGHT PROCESSES, THE ONLY MOMENTS THEY HAVE WHEN THEY ARE NOT TRAPPED IN THAT IS WHEN THEY ARE RELATING TO THEIR ANIMAL; THEIR PET. 

-Eckhart Tolle

Creating a lifestyle that includes shared space with a companion animal is one of life's most rewarding decisions and adventures. The bond we share with our pet(s) transcends the boundaries of language and love. When we invite a pet into our lives, we are inviting a love that will touch our heart and soul. Lovingly and responsibly caring for a pet simply brings out the very best in us and improves our lives in profound ways. This article will take a deeper look at how this occurs. 

Let's first examine the neuroscience behind this bond and relationship. 

THE NEUROSCIENCE 

Simply speaking, loving a pet is good for your nervous system and brain. Most of us do not need research to support this claim. We know firsthand the benefits we feel when petting, interacting and/or playing with, and caring for our companion animals. It's great to confirm that there's science to support what we already know to be true!

OXYTOCIN RELEASE

Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or the "bonding hormone," is released when we interact with our pets. Its release helps us feel more connected to others, empathic, trusting, and generous. Additional health benefits include the lowering of heart rate and blood pressure, more regulated breathing and overall stress relief. 

When petting, playing or cuddling with your pet, an increase in the release of oxytocin can take place. This contributes to the strong emotional bond and attachment you will share with your pet, that serves to improve well-being and positive feelings. 

DOPAMINE ACTIVATION 

Positive interactions with our pets help stimulate the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Simply being in the presence of your pet can release dopamine. 

Dopamine also plays a role in learning, motivation, mood, sleep, and concentration.

ENDORPHIN & SEROTONIN BOOST

While oxytocin and dopamine are important, interacting with our pets also boosts endorphins (your body's natural painkiller)  and serotonin, which help to ward off depression and depressive feelings, as well as reduce anxiety. 

Humans who surround themselves with animals tend to experience a deeper understanding of the importance of presence and patience. This is key to mindfulness! In essence, mindfulness is the basic human ability to become fully present, without feelings of overwhelm or over-reactivity. Living with pets has also been shown to expand the life span. 

To learn of other natural ways to increase serotonin, click here —> 

The release of these neurotransmitters helps deliver a boost to cognition and mood, and deepen our feelings of love and connection. The benefits via the neurological processes highlight the complex and rewarding nature of the bond between human and animal, but the benefits don't end here. There's more good news to sharing your life with your pet(s)!

THE MENTAL & PHYSICAL 

HEALTH BENEFITS

STRESS REDUCTION

Spending time with pets has been linked to reduced levels of stress and anxiety due to changes in cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress. This is in addition to the neurotransmitters discussed earlier (and their benefits). Having a pet nearby can have a calming effect on your brain and body. 

COMPANIONSHIP

Pets provide friendship and social support, and can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. In addition,  taking on the responsibility of a pet such as feeding, walking, and grooming help deepen the connection as you truly see how much you matter to your beloved pet. 

Because of you, their life is better!

Not only is your pet a companion, but caring for a pet in which you can take outdoors, such as a dog, has the additional benefits of interacting with nature and with others. It's much easier meeting and speaking with people when dogs are involved. They provide instant conversation starters! Whereas individuals may not readily approach others to chat, the presence of a dog eases this interaction. This leads into the next benefit —> 

INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Your furry friends are great for your health and if your furry friend is a dog, then you in all likelihood have an immediately available walking companion. Your dog needs exercise and activity and so do you!  An additional benefit of dog walking is that it's getting you outdoors and away from screens and what may be a tech-driven lifestyle. 

Leash up your furry buddy and go on a walk; maybe even an adventure. 

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Your pet wants to see you; to hang out with you and will patiently wait until you return. To your pet, you are his/her world! In essence, you are the recipient of unconditional love.

Your pet is not judging you based on your appearance, earnings, titles, personality quirks, etc. Animals don't care about any of that! They simply and unconditionally love you! When you open your heart to a pet, a powerful transformation occurs (within you and your pet). Love flows freely and selflessly. 

And let's not forget, pets can also provide entertainment value. Pets love to have fun (just as we do)!

COMEDIC RELIEF 

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be an endless source of entertainment and joy. Almost every pet owner has funny stories to share. Pets' playful behaviors and antics often bring smiles and laughter to families and households, which translate into cherished memories. 

Currently, in our family, we share our home with a senior dog and a puppy. Both have very different needs. While it's easy to get so involved with the antics of a young dog who has boundless energy and wants nothing more than to actively play with you, loving and caring for an older pet is a different experience altogether. Their needs change as they age and on some intuitive level understand and accept where they are in their lifespan. What I've grown to learn and appreciate in my decades of sharing heart space as well as physical space with companion animals is that loving and caring for an older pet are both an honor and a privilege. 

UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL,

A PART OF ONE'S SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED!

-Anatole France

An important caveat needs to be stated. While there are many benefits to sharing your life with pets, keep in mind they need responsible care to remain healthy and happy. If you are not in a place (or space) in your life at this moment to care for a pet, then postpone this decision. 

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