How do pets affect our emotional well-being?

There is a special bond between humans and their pets. How else to explain the fact that the owners of four-legged friends feel less lonely, easier to cope with stress and less often get sick? Either way, the impact of those we have domesticated is tangible – on both mental and physical health. We tell about how pets make our lives better, together with a psychologist in a special project “Census of tails”.

psychologist, specialist in the correction of eating disorders

Pets neutralize stress, reduce anxiety and depression.

Why do people get pets?

Everyone’s motives are different: some people escape loneliness, others want to take care of someone. Science still does not know why we are so attracted to animals. But one thing is for sure: pets give unconditional love. Such a feeling a person truly experiences only in infancy, when a mother loves her child for nothing, not for something. The unbiasedness of four-legged people is very attractive: they do not care about race, gender, clothing size, zodiac sign, after all. But it’s not just that. There is something magical about them that everyone wants to touch. And that is why today every second Russian family has a pet.

This is confirmed by a survey of the Rambler&Co media holding . And right now the brand in cooperation with Royal Canin, one of the world leaders in the production of healthy food for cats and dogs, is conducting a large-scale “Census of ponytails” and will find out with which pets Russians share their homes. This is a great opportunity for pet owners to find like-minded people and make new friends. Anyone can take part in the census by clicking here. You only need to specify the name of your pet, its age, and its role in your life: family member, best friend or companion. After registration, all participants will receive a census certificate, privileges and bonuses from Royal Canin to buy food and treats for their four-legged friends.

How do animals make their owners feel better?

Support
Not only humans are capable of empathy – pets feel and read the emotions of their owners. They understand many words, recognize the tone of voice, respond to gestures, show tenderness – and not only when they want to eat. Scientists say that animals establish a telepathic connection with humans and therefore willingly give a paw of help when they smell something wrong. The mere presence of a furry pet helps to calm down, and a simple stroking and purring in response – cheer up. This is what the owners of four-legged animals say.

head of special projects

There are four animals in my family: a cat, two cats and a dog. Therefore, their presence in my life is impossible not to feel. When I come home, I generally never feel alone – there is always one of the four-legged ones around. Yes, sometimes it’s stressful (like when they start going crazy together), but much more often it’s joyful. Now I can’t imagine the full comfort of a home without a pet in it.

I’m leaning toward the idea that animals can sense moods and worry about you. I once took a long bath – a coalition of dog and cats came to rescue me. They opened the door and looked at me with “Mistress, you’re drowning, get out!” looks. It was very funny.

Elizabeth: Pets increase the self-esteem of their owners, because they do not care about the status, appearance and success of the owner. They need care and therefore attach to a person naturally, and at the same time affect his psycho-emotional state: neutralize stress, reduce anxiety and depression. This is explained by the action of serotonin and dopamine – hormones of pleasure, which are released in response to hugs, stroking, playing with the pet.

Head of Lifestyle

Coconut is the most positive dog ever. Firstly, it’s all down to his charming smile, which makes you smile. Secondly, he is incredibly sensitive and as soon as he sees that I am tired or sad, he offers me a toy or at least a thousand kisses.

By the way, I read somewhere that Samoyeds are frequent guests of nursing homes. They provide psychological help and give positive emotions to old people. And not only that.

Treat
Pet owners, as studies show, are less likely to go to doctors. Scientists say that in 74% of cases, pets helped their owners to cope with psychological problems and depression against the background of serious illness. It is known that dogs have a good effect on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The process of watching and socializing develops the child’s concentration and directs their attention to what is happening here and now.

Cats are also beneficial and help promote sleep. Similar to a favorite fluffy plaid, they literally lull you to sleep and give you a feeling of warmth and comfort. Researchers explain this by the fact that contact with a pet reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone), blood pressure and heart rate. Overcoming negative emotions and relaxing is much easier in this case.

Another interesting study showed that animals reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, thus prolonging the life of the owner. This fact medics have long taken this fact into account and created a unique method of treating diseases with the participation of dogs. The hilarious practice appeared in the early 1960s and was called canisterapy (“canis” – from Latin for “dog”). The results are impressive: pets help people with disabilities get around, anticipate epilepsy attacks, reduce headaches and outbursts of aggression, and speed up the healing process.

Expand the social circle
Pets gather like-minded people around them and encourage their owners to meet new people. The love of animals creates a new social circle, bringing together cat people and dog people all over the world. The numbers prove it: thanks to their pets, 40% of people coped with loneliness and found compassionate friends, 79% – became less worried about nothing and easier to cope with stress, 73% – found a purpose in life and 65% – made new useful connections.

Elizabeth: Pets can also play an important role in the life of couples: to unite, give them the opportunity to get to know each other from new sides. American scientists agree that spouses with pets are more satisfied with their relationship and happier in marriage. So we can safely assume that a pet in the house can reduce the risk of divorce. Of course, it will not replace psychotherapy, but still attention to a living creature develops empathy and compassion. It gives the understanding that it should be good not only for me, but also for the other.

Keeps you in shape and fosters responsibility
Daily walks with your pet improve emotional well-being and help keep you in shape. Dog owners spend 30 minutes a week outdoors more than others – the puppy look seems to be a pretty good motivator. It’s also a great way for both owner and pet to shed extra pounds. One interesting study found that those who walk their dog for 20 minutes a day, five times a week, lose an average of 6-7 pounds a year without changing their diet.

Elizabeth: Pets are also good educators for children. By the example of animals, the child can be told about the boundaries and explain that care can turn into aggression and violence. After all, no matter how relaxed the pet is lying down, it does not mean that he is ready for affection. Sometimes the pet makes it clear that he is not ready for displays of affection – he breaks out of the embrace, growls, twitches his tail, bites.

Before you decide to take a serious step and adopt a pet, it is important to realize that taking care of him is difficult. But if you are ready for it, the love and support of the pet will compensate for all the hardships.