The Benefit of Pets

Ask any animal lover, and they will likely tell you that having a pet benefits their health and well-being. Nonetheless, the benefits of pets are more than just anecdotal. This National Institute of Health article provides an overview of how pets positively impact health including decreasing cortisol, lowering blood pressure, reducing loneliness, and improving mood.

Petting an animal can lower the stress hormone cortisol, is soothing, and often leads to feeling calmer and more relaxed. Animals also help maintain a routine which can be challenging particularly if you are experiencing mood symptoms such as depression. For example, needing to feed the cat or dog can provide a reason to get out of bed. Routines help organize and increase activity levels and provide a sense of predictability and control, which lowers stress. They can take some of the guesswork out of daily life, and when you know what to expect and work to implement helpful behaviors consistently, it is easier to counteract mood symptoms such as decreased interest and motivation. Active daytime routines also lead to improved sleep which benefits mood and overall functioning.

Pets can also lead to more social interactions and enable us to stay active. Walking your dog around the block provides physical movement and perhaps you will say hello to a neighbor along the way. Or, you strike up a conversation with someone at the local dog park. Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for premature death, and social connections improve mood and physical health. Please see this CBT Denver blog post from June for more information. Physical exercise has a whole host of benefits including improved cardiovascular health and muscle strength, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, and improved mood.

Animals provide companionship, comfort, and emotional support which can be particularly important when experiencing a stressful event as pets can reduce the stress of the event. And, in general, people tend to report that good moods increase and bad moods decrease when around pets. Also, it can feel rewarding to care for something. When you are stuck in your head, it is beneficial to have a pet to focus on. Overall, pets can provide a valuable sense of playfulness and joy to daily life.

Here at CBT Denver, we appreciate the holistic nature of mood and well-being and how, for some, pets play a key role in health and happiness. To learn more about the treatments we provide, please contact us.