Pet Therapy

"Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms."  ~ George Eliot
 

• What does a cat or dog know that we humans forget?

• Are relationships with our pets healing at times?

• ​When is caring for a pet more stressful than helpful?

• How does nurturing, keeping a routine, or playing with a pet impact a person's mood? ​

 

Pets provide emotional support across our lifespans, helping us to cope with stressful events (e.g. the pandemic, a breakup, a change in jobs). Pets can improve health through physiological mechanisms, the alleviation of feelings of isolation, and an overall improvement in psychological well-being. Studies have shown that interaction with pets can lead to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels.

 

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, have the ability to lower the likelihood of their owners suffering from depression and can contribute to lower blood pressure in stressful situations. Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet has been found to elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurochemicals known for their calming and relaxing effects. This aligns with findings that interacting with animals decreases levels of cortisol, a primary stress-related hormone, and also contributes to lower blood pressure.

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For more thoughts on possible benefits, here is a summary of some current findings. Always use your own judgment in deciding if a pet is right for your personal context.