Pets are more than friendly companions; research has shown that animals can actually help with stress relief. Getting a new best animal friend can also have many stress-relieving and health benefits.
We spoke to Jenna Stregowski, Registered Vet Tech (RVT) and a Pet Health & Behavior Editor at Daily Paws for some insight into how the human and pet relationship can be mutually beneficial and promote the mental health of our furry friends as well as ourselves.
How Animals Provide Stress Relief
Research shows that, unless you’re someone who really dislikes animals or is absolutely too busy to care for one properly, pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief, and other health benefits—perhaps more than people.
She adds that when the world changed and many found themselves with a lot more time at home, it benefited both humans and animals alike. “People had more time to provide exercise, play, and training, all of which help reinforce the human-animal bond,” she says. The added time together was good for us—and good for our pets.
The following are more health benefits of pets.
Improve Mood
For those who love animals, it’s virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood when a pair of loving puppy eyes meets yours, or when a super-soft cat rubs up against your hand. In addition to the social support, stress relief, and general health benefits pets can bring, research supports the mood-enhancing benefits of pets.
Reduce Blood Pressure
Yes, it’s true. While ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren’t as effective in controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension.
Research has concluded since the mid-1980’s that there are positive physiological effects, especially lowered blood pressure, to petting dogs and social interaction with companion animals. Touch, the actual act of petting the dog, appeared to be the major component of the so-called pet effect.4
Reduce Blood Pressure
Yes, it’s true. While ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren’t as effective in controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension.
Research has concluded since the mid-1980’s that there are positive physiological effects, especially lowered blood pressure, to petting dogs and social interaction with companion animals. Touch, the actual act of petting the dog, appeared to be the major component of the so-called pet effect.4
Provide Social Support
When we’re out walking, having a dog with us can make us more approachable and give people a reason to stop and talk, thereby increasing the number of people we meet, giving us an opportunity to increase our network of friends and acquaintances, which also has great stress management benefits.5
Offer Company and Unconditional Love
Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets, and are excellent snugglers. And they could be the best antidote to loneliness.
In fact, one study found that nursing home residents reported less loneliness when visited by dogs alone than when they spent time with dogs and other people.6 All these benefits can reduce the amount of stress people experience in response to feelings of social isolation and lack of social support from people.
Pets vs. People
While we all know the power of talking about your problems with a good friend who’s also a good listener, research shows that spending time with a pet may be even better.
One study showed that, when conducting a task that’s stressful, people actually experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present.7
Allen K, Blascovich J, Mendes WB. Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: The truth about cats and dogs. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2002;64(5):727-739. doi:10.1097/01.psy.0000024236.11538.41
This may be partially due to the fact that pets don’t judge us; they just love us.
Best Stress Relief Animals
While dogs and cats are obviously the most popular house pet, Stregowski says she has seen all kinds of pets that enrich the lives of their people, including reptiles and even rats.
“Even looking at fish in an aquarium can be a type of meditation,” she says.
Your Pet Can Benefit, Too
With the rise in remote or flexible work in the wake of the pandemic, many people will continue to have extra time with their pets that they didn’t have before. This should allow for continued engagement that can keep a pet happy and healthy.8
But for essential workers or those who are back in an office setting more regularly, Stregowski says it’s important to set and stick to a routine through what may be a difficult time for your pet.
“Include daily time for exercise, play, and snuggle time if that’s something your pet enjoys,” she says. “Plan a few brief training sessions a week to keep your pet sharp. You might also consider leaving interactive or treat-dispensing toys behind for your pets.”
Stregowski says mental health is just as important for our pets as it is for us.
Because most animals aren’t traditionally suited for a sedentary lifestyle, it’s on us to make sure they don’t get bored or frustrated.
Her solution—”Play games your pet enjoys in order to provide mental and physical activity. It will be fun for you too.”
