Why Pets Are Essential For Lowering Stress And Loneliness

We all love our pets. They are part of the family. Whether you have a cat, dog, fish or even some reptiles, if they are your pet, you probably love them and they are absolutely a family member.

While some other family members may tend to add some stress to your life – let’s face it. You love them with all of your heart, but they can really cause some stress. Pets generally do not do that. Yes, you may have the occasional destructive behavior, or they may make a mess from time to time. But for the most part, pets don’t stress us humans nearly as much as other humans can. In general.

THIS IS SCIENTIFIC

Why is it that just petting a dog can releive stress? Science has shown that just petting a dog can lower the stress hormone cortisol. This is a good thing.

Dogs have unconditional love for their humans. They also can induce the feel good hormone oxytocin. By the way, this is the same hormone that bonds mothers and babies.

This hormone can also help keep people’s blood pressure down. Crazy, right?

DOGS GET US TO EXERCISE MORE

Need to go for a walk? Hey – take the dog with you! That will get you out of the house, moving, and exercising. Good things all around. That is, unless you have a dog like mine. He will go for a couple of blocks, then just sit down. I wind up carrying him part of the way. Luckily he is only 10 pounds. But that is more exercise… I guess.

EASE LONLINESS AND DEPRESSION

Pets can really help ease lonliness as they are a constant companion. Sometimes whether you like it or not. I have a velcro dog, so there’s that.

HELP EASE PTSD

The disorder usually develops after an emotional or physical trauma, such as a mugging, physical abuse or a natural disaster. Symptoms include nightmares, insomnia, angry outbursts, emotional numbness, and physical and emotional tension.

Pets can be great at giving you some emotional support when you need it.

LOOK: The Funniest Animal Photos of 2024

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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: Can you tell the difference between these common pets?

Can you tell the difference between a hamster and a guinea pig? How about a betta and a guppy? Test your pet ID skills in our cute quiz.

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