How Pets Improve Your Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to check in with ourselves and explore all the ways we can boost our mood and mental well-being. Yes, therapy helps. Exercise helps. But you know what else works wonders? Pets.
Whether itâs a dog wagging their tail when you walk through the door or a cat snoozing on your laptop while you try to work, animals have a superpower: they make us feel better. And this isnât just something pet lovers say; the National Institute of Health (NIH) also backs it up.
North Fork Animal Welfare League is here to share just how powerful pets are for your health and why they deserve all the love (and treats) we can give.
1. They Help You Chill Out
Feeling overwhelmed? Spending time with your pet might be just what the doctor ordered.
Studies have shown that simply petting a dog or cat can lower your stress hormone levels and help you relax. Your heart rate slows down, your muscles relax, and your brain releases calming chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, the feel-good stuff.
Fun fact: Even watching fish swim around in a tank can help lower your blood pressure! Animals have a soothing presence that helps the body and mind slow down, something everyone could use more of in todayâs fast-paced world.
So next time you're feeling frazzled, grab your furry friend, take a deep breath, and let the snuggles work their magic.
2. Theyâre the Best Company
Loneliness and burnout can really affect our mental health. But pets? Theyâre always there, ready to listen (and never interrupt).
Whether youâre talking to your dog about your day or just hanging out with your cat, that companionship helps you feel connected, which is a big deal for your emotional well-being.
Research from Miami University shows that pet owners tend to feel less lonely and more supported, especially during tough times. Pets donât care if youâre having a bad hair day or feeling less confident about yourself; theyâre just happy to be with you.
3. They Get You Moving (Even When You Donât Feel Like It)
Some days, getting out of bed feels like a chore. But dogs need walks, and cats need food, so pets give us a reason to get up and go.
Studies have shown that pet owners are more physically active than those without pets. Even a 10-minute walk with your dog can help lift your mood and give you a sense of purpose.
Bonus: Walking your dog can lead to new social connections! You can say hello to your fellow dog lovers at the park!
4. They Help Create a Routine (and We All Need One)
Mental health experts agree that having a daily routine can help manage stress and anxiety. And guess what? Pets are great at keeping us on schedule.
Theyâll remind you when itâs breakfast time, when itâs time to play, and when itâs time for belly rubs. That regular rhythm gives your daily structure and a sense of normalcy, even when life feels chaotic.
5. They Help Us Feel Safe and Needed
Thereâs something incredibly grounding about knowing that your pet depends on you. Feeding them, cleaning up after them, and making sure theyâre happy gives you a sense of responsibilityâand that can make you feel more stable and confident, even when everything else feels uncertain.
And if you live alone, your pet can also help you feel more secure at home. Whether itâs a dog barking at strangers or just the soft sounds of a sleeping cat nearby, their presence makes a difference.
6. They Help Us HealâEmotionally and Physically
Did you know that being around animals can help reduce pain and anxiety? Hospitals, nursing homes, and even schools have started using therapy animals for this reason.
Pets have an amazing ability to pick up on our emotions and provide comfort, without needing to say a word. They snuggle closer when you're sad. They make you laugh when you need it most.
7. They Give You Unconditional Love
Letâs not forget one of the biggest reasons we love pets so much: they love us right back, no matter what.
They donât care how your day went. They donât care what you look like. They just want to be near you. That kind of love is powerful, and it can be incredibly healing.
Knowing thereâs someone (or some creature) whoâs always happy to see you can do wonders for your mental state.
Helping Animals Helps You, Too
Adopting a pet or volunteering at a shelter doesnât just help animals; it helps you.
Caring for a pet in need gives you a sense of purpose. And every time you help an animal find a home or feel safe, youâre also giving yourself a mental health boost.
So, whether you adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer, helping animals is one of the most rewarding ways to give backâit also makes you feel good doing it!
