PETS AND THEIR EFFECT ON HEALTH

Posted on 12 July 2024

​Pets have always been cherished companions, but their significance extends beyond mere companionship. We love them for being cute, cuddly and entertaining. We might not, however, reflect on their impact on us. Dog ownership in the UK is very high, and second to that is cats. Any pet, though, poses an opportunity for us to interact with the natural world and also encourages us to get moving, whether it’s through related outdoor activities (such as dog walking), through needing to go out and pick up supplies, or simply to stop them getting into trouble around the house.

In the UK, substantial research underscores the positive impact pets have on reducing stress and enhancing overall mental health, which is particularly vital as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety become more prevalent. A Mental Health Foundation survey has found that 87% of UK pet owners reported positive effects on their mental wellbeing from their pets, while The Blue Cross reports that 74% of pet owners believe their pets have improved their mental health; a University of Lincoln study also revealed that dog owners show greater resilience to stress and experience fewer anxiety symptoms compared to non-pet owners. It is believed that pet ownership provides benefits to mental health from multiple directions: 1) interaction with pets releases endorphins and reduces cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting happiness and wellbeing, and 2) pet ownership also encourages routine and physical activity, both vital for mental health. Walking a dog, for instance, provides regular moderate exercise, fresh air, time in the sun, and light social interaction, all contributing to better mental health.

As part of a trend towards worsening mental health, loneliness – a significant contributing factor – is on the rise in the UK; according to the Campaign to End Loneliness, 45% of UK adults feel lonely at times. We see this in stark relief after someone is widowed, for example, and experiencing profound grief and a loss of meaning in their daily living. However, many people who become widowed go on to find companionship in the form of a pet, and report that they help them emotionally and with their sense of wellbeing after their bereavement; additionally, this companionship is particularly beneficial for the elderly, with Age UK noting that pet ownership reduces feelings of isolation among older adults. With the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) reporting that 90% of pet owners feel less lonely because of their pets, it is undeniable that the emotional connection we make to animals is significant, and that animal companionship can be a helpful tool in alleviating loneliness and providing emotional support in tough times.

It should come as no surprise then, that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining popularity in the UK. Programs such as Pets As Therapy arrange visits to hospitals, care homes, and schools, bringing the benefits of animal interaction to those in need. Research by the University of York and the University of Lincoln shows that AAT can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in clinical settings, which is conducive to a more constructive environment for healing, recovery, and higher quality of life.

The evidence is clear: pets play a crucial role in enhancing mental health and reducing stress. In the UK, where mental health issues are increasingly concerning, the companionship, routine, and therapeutic benefits pets provide are invaluable. Through daily interactions or structured therapy programs, pets offer a simple yet effective solution to many mental health challenges faced today.

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