Can Pets Help Our Mental Health?

                 I have often heard well-meaning people say that I should get a pet, more specifically a dog. They always say a pet would be good for my mental health. “A pet will make you less depressed” or “A dog will make you happy.” I always scoffed at these suggestions. I was sure a pet couldn’t help me. After all, pets usually made me anxious. 

                  I am learning that I may have been wrong about having a pet. My mom is too ill to take care of her dog, Panda, an 11-year-old Maltese-Shih Tzu mix. So, guess who has Panda. That’s right I do. At first my thoughts were “My house isn’t pet-proof” and “I don’t know how to take care of a dog.” My brother has two large dogs. That meant he could not take little Panda. In the two and a half weeks I have had Panda I have grown to enjoy her company. I have learned that I am able to take care of a pet. I have a new walking buddy. Panda loves to walk. We take at least four walks a day. Our daily walks have become longer and longer. Each of the last two days we have walked over 10,000 steps. I am getting the exercise I need. Panda is enjoying every minute of it. 

                  My brother commented that Panda and I both seem to be doing so much better. Is he right? Is a dog improving my mood? I guess she is. My brother also commented that I should write about pets. That surprised me. Not only did he recognize the improvement in me, but he encouraged me to write about it. I did not know my brother was that aware of my writing. So, here it is. I am writing about pets and mental health. 

                  I did a little research and found that there is documented evidence that pets can improve a person’s mental health. This did not surprise me. What surprises me is that a dog is improving my mental health. Back to the research. I discovered seven ways that pets can improve mental health. Here they are:

                  Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Research has found that petting animals can trigger the release of calming hormones, like oxytocin, and reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. I have found that it is soothing to pet Panda. She has taken to sleeping on my bed. I find it relaxing to pet her as I try to fall asleep. This has been helpful because falling asleep is usually a stressor for me. Another way spending time with a pet can reduce stress and anxiety is by creating a sense of routine. It also provides a sense of grounding. Both reduce feelings of anxiety.

                  Combat Loneliness: Pets are a source of companionship. When you live alone or have limited social interaction, pets can provide a sense of companionship. I am finding this to be true. I even talk to Panda as if she were a friend. I guess I am feeling less alone. 

                  Improved Mood: The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin increase when interacting with pets. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and pleasure. So, an increase in these is good for a person’s mood. On a less technical level, pets are often a source of joy, laughter, and affection. 

                  Encourage Physical Activity:  Walking and playing with a dog are good sources of regular exercise. It is well-documented that exercise is effective at reducing depression and anxiety. I am finding this to be true. Maybe it’s coincidence or maybe walking Panda is really improving my mood.

                  Enhance Routine and Responsibility: Taking care of pets requires structure. When a person struggles with depression or other mental illness, structure is important. The addition of a pet to one’s life can provide that structure. I have noticed that in just a couple of weeks Panda and I have settled into a structured routine. 

                  Provide Emotional Support: Some people require Emotional Support Animals (ESA). These animals can help a person with mental health challenges by offering stability during emotional distress. Even if your pet is not an ESA, he or she can provide comfort. Just sitting and petting a dog can be soothing.

                  Improve Social Interaction: When you take a dog for a walk or when you head to a pet-friendly park, you have opportunities for social interaction. I have noticed that more people in my neighborhood say hi to me as I walk Panda. The social interaction that stems from walking a dog can lead to improved social skills and a reduction of feelings of alienation. 

                  As I think about these ways pets can improve mental health, I think I am experiencing them. Now, I am not saying that a pet can cure mental illness. Based on my experience of the past two weeks, I think that maybe pets can be a part of improving mental health. I am happy with my experience with Panda. I do not know how long Panda will be with me. Right now, it looks like we will be living together for a while. It is certainly helping me to have Panda around. I do not know what the long-term effects will be on my mental health, but for now, Panda is helping me. I would like to think I am helping her as I am sure she misses my mom. So, I guess, maybe those people who told me I needed a pet were onto something.