There’s no denying science
The theory that dogs have a positive effect on our mental and physical health has been put to the test—literally. Dr. Alan Beck from Purdue University teamed up with Dr. Aaron Katcher from the University of Pennsylvania to measure how the human body reacts when someone pets a dog they’re familiar with. The pair found that participants showed physiological signs of reduced stress, like lower blood pressure, slower heart rate and more regular breathing. A more recent study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine confirmed these findings and also discovered lower amounts of stress-related hormones in participants’ blood chemistry. These calmer states were reached anywhere within five to 24 minutes of bonding with a dog, much faster than many stress-reducing pharmaceuticals. Science can now confirm what animal lovers have known all along: Positive interactions with pups make us feel a whole lot better, inside and out.
Don’t forget feline friends
Felines bring more than their affection and quirky personalities into a home. They’re also important players when it comes to the health of the people they live with. An article published in the British periodical, The Telegraph, reported scientific findings that those who own a domesticated cat can reduce their risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack by more than one-third. Talk about a stress reliever!
Unique pets, same outcome
But do animals have to be snuggle-worthy to provide a calming effect? The findings may bug you—literally. A study in 2016 looked at how elderly people interacted with crickets. Each participant was given a cage containing five crickets to care for over eight weeks. The researchers discovered these participants were less depressed than those who didn’t receive some cricket friends. The act of caring for something other than ourselves can make a huge impact on our mental health.
Horses as part of therapy have been widely studied for decades. As early as the 1860s, riding and interacting with horses became part of medical treatment in Europe. Brushing, grooming, learning to ride and guiding horses around obstacles have all helped people with diverse needs. Working with horses has proven to reduce symptoms for adults and children suffering from anxiety, and some programs have been established for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Transformative healing
When we are at our most vulnerable, interacting with animals can make a difference. The organization Paws with Cause has partnered with prisons to train puppies as service animals. This process teaches important skills like empathy, leadership, teamwork, communication and commitment, all of which benefit the incarcerated handlers. Correctional officers have noticed improvements to their environments, reformed relationships between officers and inmates, fewer infractions as well as more cooperation, all because inmates don’t want to lose their connection to the program’s pups. The statistics show this partnership benefits both inmates and their communities. Once a well-trained service dog graduates, they provide care and companionship to someone with special needs, and about 86 percent of inmates that participate in the program never return to prison.
Pets provide more than just smiles and laughter. Whether you’re keen on pets that slither, fly or sleep curled up at your feet, you already know that having animals in your life can make you feel better. That’s the best prescription for long-term stress management.
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