The Holistic Benefits of Owning a Pet, Especially During the Pandemic

There are numerous benefits to having a pet as part of your family,  especially dogs. Nothing can match the feverish tail wagging inspired by a favorite human’s homecoming, the sleepy cuddles, or the delight on their faces when notified of an upcoming walk. Aside from the general delight, there are several ways in which owning a dog can also improve a person’s overall mental and physical health: 

Physical Health

Having a dog promotes walking, jogging, hiking, and just being outdoors with your pup – all of which have well known benefits. When you are with your pet, you can almost feel yourself relaxing as the stress melts away with every touch. In addition, having pets lowers blood pressure, and can lower your risk for heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, having cats and dogs in your home will increase your immunity as well as lower your risk for developing allergies.

Social Connection

Mental health may also be improved by pets through the facilitation of social contacts with other people. Several studies have shown that walking with a dog results in a significantly higher number of chance conversations with complete strangers than walking alone. Not only does having a pet bring companionship between you and your pet, there can be an increase in togetherness in the family over bonding with the animal in your home. 

Self-Worth

Dogs can require a lot of work, but research shows that responsibility helps your mental health. Psychologists say that you build self-esteem by taking ownership and applying skills to a specific task. Taking care of a dog offers reassurance that you can care for another creature and for yourself. Dogs bring happiness into your life, and depression is often no match for the unconditional love they provide.

Staying Organized

Pets can also help to organize a person's day (a dog that is used to being walked and fed at 7 A.M. is not likely to let you lounge in bed until 9am) and contribute to a good daily routine. Being a pet owner also provides a sense of purpose, helps to enhance self-esteem and self-control, and generally alleviate the adverse effects of stress.

The Critical Role of Pets During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Moving into 2021, many of us are still connecting remotely with other people and are not able to access our normal sources of social support, especially physical connection with others.. Therefore, pets have played an important role over this past year because of their ability to provide a tangible connection.  Now quite sure if adopting a pet might be for you? Below we take a look at 3 ways pets have helped people feel connected and has improved their mental health during the last year:

Companionship

One of the most undeniably challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, besides the disease itself, the lack of social interaction has negatively impacted mental health. The presence of another living being can help to reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation. Pets may thus be particularly advantageous because it helps us connect with a living being that gives us unconditional love and enhances our well-being through this tough time.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression

Petting your furry friend releases “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, all of which offer a mood boost and promote social bonding, qualities that are even more important during times of pandemic-induced anxiety and isolation. Research shows that when we pet a dog (or cat), not only is the feel-good chemical (also known as the “love hormone”) oxytocin released (the same one we feel when hugging a loved one), but our levels of the stress hormone cortisol lowers. Oxytocin promotes attachment and is thus a foundational element of relationships. For someone struggling with anxiety and depression, this kind of attachment with a dog has the possibility of taking them outside the hopelessness of their anxious or depressed state, and perhaps allowing them to see new hope in a connection with a sweet canine or furry feline.

Finding Joy and Staying Connected 

Pets are funny, often without any effort at all. Whether chasing their tail, hiding their toys, or making silly expressions, pets make us laugh and help us relieve stress just be being them. Also, while we may not be able to touch other humans outside our homes during social isolation, our pets are always a safe option for a cuddle. Hugging your pet releases feel-good hormones, eases tension, and can even relieve physical pain. Lastly, when the news and social media seem to be filled with nothing more than sobering updates about COVID-19, a photo of your four-legged — or otherwise feathered, finned, scaled or furry — friend can bring joy to your loved ones and acquaintances.

We recommend considering adopting a pet because it reduces stress, improves depression and anxiety and helps you stay connected. If you are nervous or worried about the care of your pet when you go back to work or travel, consider using Passionately Pets, a local Alexandria business that provides in-home, pet-sitting and dog walking services.  For pet owners with busy lives, Passionately Pets ensures personal, trustworthy and reliable services conveniently at your home. Even better, their business was created to connect humans and their pets while supporting pet rescues in our local community. Check out their website to learn more about their services and to see their great selection of merchandise for pets and humans.

*Anyone who reads this article is eligible for 10% off services or products with promo code WELLNESS through March 30th, 2021.