Scientific evidence supports the positive impact of pet ownership on mental health, but it’s important to acknowledge that pets can also be demanding. Discover how to maximize the benefits of owning a pet.
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The number of pet owners is on the rise. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, nearly 90 million households in the U.S. now own pets. This means that pet-owning households outnumber those that don’t own pets.
One reason for the growing acceptance of pet ownership is the evolving pet industry, which includes innovative businesses dedicated to making pet ownership more accessible for individuals with busy lifestyles, such as online pet supply stores and in-house veterinary services.
Considering this context, here are two ways owning a pet can help promote better mental health.
1. Fostering a Sense of Purpose Through Pet Care
Well-being encompasses more than just happiness and freedom from illness, both physical and mental. A 2020 paper published in the journal Health and Quality of Life Outcomes analyzed data from 21 countries and revealed that well-being is rooted in various factors, including a sense of purpose in life.
This is where owning a pet can contribute. A 2018 study investigating the effects of pet ownership on individuals living with mental health conditions found that participants who reported a loss of purpose following their diagnosis experienced a significant improvement in their perceived control over their lives after getting a pet. Some even credited their pets for giving them a reason to live.
Dr. Edgar Hernandez from Talkiatry, a psychiatric practice that acknowledges the therapeutic benefits of pets, affirms, “Pets increase feelings of social support, provide a sense of meaning, and improve their owners’ lifestyles by promoting physical activity and adding structure to daily routines.”
According to Dr. Hernandez, pets can effectively assist in treating and managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia.
Choosing the right type of pet for the greatest mental health benefits is another consideration. When asked about the animals that can positively impact our mental and emotional well-being, Dr. Zach Mills from The Vets, a veterinary care service focused on reducing the stress of pet ownership, stated, “The human-animal bond can extend to any number of animals, and different individuals may have different responses. There are also people who connect more with one species of animal over another. The results can vary, and while most studies focus on dogs and horses, any animal can potentially build a beneficial bond with humans.”
These insights from experts shed light on the profound impact of the human-animal bond. It’s no wonder that healthcare professionals often recommend pet ownership. In fact, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 22% of current pet owners received such recommendations.
2. Your Pet Can Encourage Exercise and Physical Activity, Benefitting Your Mental Health
Owning a pet entails certain responsibilities that will require you to venture outside your home. For example, most dog breeds require regular outdoor exercise to maintain their health.
Dr. Mills explains, “Pet owners often find themselves engaging in an increased level of physical activity, which can lead to overall improved physical and psychological health.”
An umbrella review of 97 systematic reviews with meta-analyses conducted in 2023 revealed that exercise may be up to 1.5 times more effective in alleviating symptoms of common mental health conditions compared to traditional treatment methods. Dr. Ben Singh from the University of South Australia, the lead author of the review, stated in an interview, “We found that engaging in 150 minutes of various types of physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, weightlifting, and yoga, significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and psychological distress compared to usual care, such as medication.”
Before getting a pet to improve your mental health through exercise, ensure that your exercise needs align with those of your future pet. While most dogs require regular walks, different breeds have varying exercise tolerance levels.
Pairing traditional treatment practices like medication or therapy with unconventional methods such as pet ownership is often the most effective approach to addressing mental health issues.
Psychiatrist Dr. Hernandez agrees, stating, “While pet ownership has positive psychological benefits, it should not replace other necessary forms of treatment for specific mental health conditions. I believe a holistic approach that includes pet ownership can be the most rewarding and effective for patients.”
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
