The Science Of Pet Bonding: How Pets Improve Mental Health?

Stress and anxiety are constant companions in today's fast-paced life. Even though there are many different ways to combat these daily stresses, nothing comes as close as having pets in your life. All the love they shower on us, the unconditional care they give, will surely melt away all the negative feelings.

Pet bonding has been noticed to enrich the owner's life and positively affect one's emotional and physical well-being. So, how is it so enriching? In this article, let's delve deep into understanding the science behind pet bonding and its positive influence on human health.

Research cites that there is a range of positive physiological and psychological changes that humans experience when they interact with pets. Here are some key takeaways:

Oxytocin, known as the "Love hormone", is released during pet interactions. This hormone fosters trust and emotional bonding and helps reduce Stress. Simple activities like hugging your dog or looking into their eyes can cause a spike in oxytocin levels in both the pet and the owner.

Cortisol is a Stress hormone. Pets help lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and bring in a calming effect, improving your overall mood.

Endorphins are our body's natural mood elevators. When you engage with your pet, these endorphins are produced, which helps elevate physical and mental stimulation. A simple activity like walking with your dog or playing fetch is good enough to get your natural boost of endorphins.

Evidence suggests that walking a dog daily benefits the dog and its owner. It helps maintain a healthy heart and ensures better cardiac output. Blood pressure is lowered, and better cardiovascular health is also noted.

With our fast-paced lives, nobody has time for anything. Social relationships are dwindling, and loneliness has become a modern epidemic. With pets, a level of companionship is formed. Unconditional love and positive regard are developed as a source of comfort and connection.

Pet bonding has significant therapeutic benefits and has been seen to reduce anxiety and depression. You must have seen therapy dogs used by people to cope with PTSD and panic disorders.

If you are a pet owner, you are already familiar with this concept. Pets build routine and ring in responsibility in one's life. Feeding, walking, and grooming schedules are laid out, adding a sense of purpose. This could motivate people, especially those who struggle with motivation or negative emotions.

Pets are definite catalysts for social interactions; dog owners huddle in the dog park and talk with strangers. This could help individuals with social isolation cope and feel included in society.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is now a growing field of study. Therapy animals are used in different institutions, such as counselling centres, schools, and hospitals, to help heal and provide emotional support.

ASD: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder interact with pets, and this has reportedly helped them with social skills and also reduced overall anxiety.

Alzheimer's: Pets have positively improved the cognitive functions of those affected with Alzheimer's.

PTSD: Veterans and various trauma survivors get the much-needed emotional stability and security from bonding with pets.

There is no debate on the fact that pets bring in a whole load of benefits for the owners – physical and mental. But it is also imperative to choose the right pet for you, the one that fits with your personality and lifestyle. Some factors you need to consider include:

Activity level: How active are you? Or are you willing to be? If you are active, a dog who enjoys outdoor activities and has immense stamina would be your ideal companion.

Living space: How much space do you have for your pet? Getting smaller pets like cats or hamsters is best if you live in an apartment.

Health conditions or allergies: If you are prone to dander allergies, it is best to get non-shedding pets.

Commitment: How much time can you spend on your pet? How many resources do you have? This is yet another essential point to consider before you buy a pet.

The love and bonding you share with your pet help you live life better; it is a scientific fact. You are loved unconditionally by another living thing, which improves your moods, health, and overall well-being. So, whether it's a small fish in an aquarium or a giant dog chasing a butterfly in your yard, you are lucky to have found them.