The Neuroscience of Pet Ownership: How Furry Friends Improve Our Mental Health
Are you a cat or dog person?
Humans have surrounded themselves with furry companions for thousands of years. Anyone who has had a pet knows that these small family members provide us with a constant source of love, comfort, and joy in our lives – and this has been the same for the vast majority of recent human history. There are good reasons for this – and it’s no surprise it is backed by neuroscience! Owning a pet can benefit so many aspects of lives – read on to learn about a few of them.
Man’s best friend
Pets have been our companions for thousands of years. From dogs and cats to birds and fish, animals have been a constant source of love, comfort, and joy in our lives for the vast majority of recent human history. And for good reason! Owning a pet can benefit so many aspects of lives – let’s dig into a few of them.
The Neurochemical Connection
Have you ever felt a wave of calm wash over you when you are petting a dog or cat? It turns out that this isn’t just a coincidence. Studies have shown that interacting with pets can actually increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding, trust, and love. Oxytocin has been linked to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression, and it plays a crucial role in our emotional wellbeing.
In addition to oxytocin, interacting with pets can also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain – the same thing that happens when we spend time with our loved ones. Serotonin is our neurotransmitter that helps regulate our mood, while dopamine is involved in reward, pleasure, and learning (the “happiness hormone”). When we engage with our pets, we experience a release of these neurochemicals, which can help us feel happier, more relaxed, and more content. Giving your dog a belly rub is a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship!
Stress Relief
Stress is quite possibly the most common factor in many mental health issues, and owning a pet can be an effective way to manage it. Pets provide their owners with a sense of comfort and security. It is no surprise that we are seeing a rise in the use of service animals for stress-inducing situations such as flying or in the courtroom.
When it comes to owning a dog, there is the added benefit of incidental exercise to help manage stress. While some people may not feel intrinsically motivated to go outside for a walk first thing in the morning and get some sunshine and fresh air, they often will do so for the benefit of their dog! The act of getting outside, getting in some movement, and spending time with a loved one (your pet!) are all great ways to help manage stress and anxiety.
Overall, many pet owners will have lower levels of cortisol than their counterparts without furry companions. What’s more, even just the act of petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Social Connection
One of the most significant benefits of owning a pet is the social connection it can provide. Pets are a great conversation starter, and they can help us feel more connected to our community. Walking a dog, for example, can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. And there are always pet-specific local groups popping up on social media for people with to connect with other like-minded folks. They are a great ice-breaker in large social groups where often people feel overwhelmed as most people can relate to a goofy or frustrating pet story – like the cat who knocks over the vintage plant pot, or the dog who ate the birthday dinner! Also, who amongst us doesn’t like to look at other people’s cute animal photos??
Pets can also be a source of support during times of loneliness or isolation, providing us with an unwavering source of companionship and love. How many of us have spoken to our pets when we are home alone or need to work something out and need a good listener (I know I am guilty!)
A final, furry note
Owning a pet can have a significant positive impact on many aspects of our lives, including our mental health. The neurochemical release that we experience when interacting with pets helps us feel happier, more relaxed, and more content, all the while also reducing our stress and anxiety. They give us a sense of comfort and security and can help us feel more centered when life gets a bit overwhelming. Owning a pet isn’t something you should go into lightly – it is a big decision to take care of something and should always be preceded with a lot of thought and care. However, the commitment to take care of a pet is also a commitment to take care of yourself, your health, and your mental wellbeing.
(This newsletter is Nanu-approved.)
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