The Therapeutic Benefits of Companion Animals
Pets have the ability to enhance your life, but they also carry significant responsibilities.
Dawn McGrath has experienced the life-changing effects pets can have. Encountering people walking their dogs can lead to conversations, alleviating stress and feelings of isolation.
“I visit teams with our dogs, Bailey, a Shetland sheepdog, and Ginger, a cocker spaniel, to local nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, and libraries,” McGrath, a certified animal therapy volunteer, shared with The Epoch Times via email.
McGrath’s team at a nursing home. Courtesy of Dawn McGrath
“This results in genuine smiles, open arms, and hugs, all of which lead to enhanced attitude, motivation, and overall joy.”
Potential Benefits for College Students
Mental health issues among college students are increasingly common globally, with a survey by the World Health Organization indicating that 35% of students screened positive for at least one common mental disorder. This concern is compounded by the emotional effects of separating from childhood pets, which can strip away a coping mechanism.
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The MDPI study included 145 individuals who had left a pet at home when attending college. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received seven sessions of a drop-in dog therapy program, while the other was placed on a waitlist. Each session included petting, sitting with, and interacting with dogs in a casual environment.
Tracking participants’ well-being throughout the semester revealed that those in the dog group showed significantly reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress compared to those in the control group. Although the dogs played an essential role, the researchers noted that the calming environment and social interaction with other students and handlers also contributed.
Benefits to Physical Health
Dogs often encourage owners to engage in physical activity, making them perfect exercise companions. The health benefits of regular exercise are well documented, contributing to better cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Overall analysis showed that dog ownership was correlated with a 31 percent lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. The authors suggested that this increased longevity may be partly due to the extra physical activity involved.
Mental and Psychological Health Benefits
The mental and psychological advantages of pet ownership are diverse, encompassing stress reduction and improved mood.
“Pet ownership leads to a decrease in cortisol, the key stress hormone,” shared Shebna N. Osanmoh, a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at Savant Care Inc., in an email to The Epoch Times.
The study divided participants into four groups: direct contact with pets, observing other pet interactions, viewing a slideshow of pets, and a control group. In the hands-on group, petting a cat or dog for 10 minutes lowered cortisol levels and provided immediate stress relief, he explained.
Animals possess a unique ability to uplift mood and enhance mental wellness, according to Dr. Michael S. Valdez, a medical director at Detox California.
“The genuine bond formed with pets, coupled with their playful antics and affection, fosters the release of serotonin and dopamine—both neurotransmitters linked to relaxation,” Valdez stated in an email to The Epoch Times.
Beyond promoting relaxation, interactions with pets can lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression, while also helping to regulate blood pressure. Engaging with animals has been shown to mitigate stress and enhance overall well-being, he noted.
Additionally, pets can provide emotional support in mental health therapy.
“I have witnessed remarkable transformations in people due to animals,” shared Annalisa Smithson, founder and director of Unleashed Counseling, in an email. “My team works with individuals who have trouble with traditional talk therapy. Our clients report reduced anxiety, overcoming depression, and dealing with trauma through interactions with our dogs and rabbits.” Smithson noted that clients often feel more comfortable and open to sharing their emotions more quickly than they would in more conventional therapy settings.
Social Health Benefits
While pets do not replace human companionship, they can serve as a bridge to it.
“Having a dog creates natural opportunities for social interaction,” Melissa Legere, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director for California Behavioral Health, informed The Epoch Times via email.
“For instance, walking a dog often leads to friendly exchanges with neighbors and other pet owners in the park. It’s an effortless way to meet new people, taking the pressure off social interactions. Plus, people tend to be more welcoming when accompanied by a dog—it serves as an immediate conversation starter.”
Even though dog walking naturally facilitates socializing, the idea of making new friends can still appear daunting.
Stephanie Boucher, a registered psychotherapist and founder of The Mindful Loft Betrayal Trauma and Relational Recovery Centre Ontario, stated that dogs can help alleviate this concern, providing emotional comfort and support. This encouragement can empower individuals to step outside their comfort zones and engage in social environments, she explained in an email.
“The bond with a pet can instill the requisite confidence in older adults living alone with few social connections, encouraging them to take social risks,” Boucher noted. “This may result in new relationships and friendships.”
Alternatives to Pet Ownership
>Not everyone has the time, financial resources, or health conditions to accommodate full-time pet ownership. Beyond pet visitation programs like the one discussed in the MDPI study, various alternatives provide part-time companionship. For those who work outside the home, hiring pet sitters or dog walkers allows for responsible pet care without full ownership, offering companionship to both the pet and the caregiver.
Fostering pets presents another option. Twila McGee, CEO and founder of NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC, stated that fostering can be an excellent method to enjoy the benefits of being a pet parent while alleviating financial pressures.
Risks Associated with Pet Ownership
While there are many therapeutic advantages tied to pet ownership, certain risks exist as well. The main concern is the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases—infectious viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that pets can spread to their owners. These illnesses can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, may be fatal, as highlighted by the CDC.
- Children under 5 and adults over 65
- Pregnant individuals
- People with compromised immune systems
If you have any doubts about your capability to own a pet for any reason, it is advisable to consult your physician.
