Ask an expert: How your pet can help you heal

How do animals help humans mentally? Pets can work miracles in sensing when something’s wrong with their owners or the world around them. They can be heroes to many people, not just their companions. It’s no wonder they can help you heal from symptoms of many ailments. Your pet can help you feel more like yourself when you don’t feel great otherwise.

Around 70% of households own a pet today, a drastic increase from a few decades ago. Of course, people might see their health boosted as a result of owning pets. Dogs and cats pick up on their owners’ emotions, but dogs are better at getting you out of the house and learning more about yourself. Knowing the benefits of pets for human health is one of the best perks of having a pet.

Ways Your Pet Can Help You

You should learn the benefits of pets for human health so you can monitor how things change in your life once you’re around your pet more often. Knowing how your pet can help you can motivate you to keep going and you’ll learn how best to reap the benefits they offer.

1. By Making You Social
Especially if you own a dog, your pet can make you more social. Since your dog deserves enrichment opportunities, you may find yourself going to new, dog-friendly locations. By taking your pup places, you’ll be getting out of the house more and potentially meeting other dog owners you and your dog can bond with. Staying social is crucial to staving off many symptoms of mental health issues.

2. By Lowering Your Blood Pressure
If you’re more worried about the physical aspect of your health, you’ll be happy to realize your pet can help you in that way, too. Simply owning a dog puts you at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. Something about animals is so calming and because they love you unconditionally, it’s relaxing to be around them. Your physical health might improve after getting a dog.

3. By Making You Active
Your pet can also help you live a more active, healthier lifestyle. This point is especially beneficial to people who work an office job or otherwise might be sitting down all day. Walking can add movement to your daily life, helping you achieve your fitness goals. The good news is dogs require a lot of walks — you can start a new daily routine once you have a dog.

4. By Giving You Responsibilities
Sometimes, it can be challenging to pull yourself out of bed. A pet can help you feel motivated and give you a reason to wake up in the morning. You won’t be able to stay in bed forever, as you have another life to take care of. These responsibilities may add a bit of good pressure to your lifestyle.

Focusing on the present moment is essential to decreasing stress and growing through tough situations. Letting your mind drift might only lead to more anxiety, so completing responsibilities and chores for your dog every day can help take your mind off the past or future for a little while by forcing you to focus on the here and now.

5. Just By Being There
Pets can provide you with comfort and care, so just having them around can be a total game-changer for anyone struggling with mental or physical health issues. Dogs can understand human emotions and your dog might take on your stress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Being around your pet can help you feel not so alone when it might be tough for you to leave the house, but you’re still feeling lonely or isolated.

How Do Animals Help Humans Mentally?

Physical health isn’t the only way humans can benefit from having a pet — animals help humans mentally by just being around. One of the greatest benefits of pets for human health is they can make you feel better even if you aren’t entirely healed.

Your dog can decrease your stress levels just by being around you, making you laugh and providing comfort in difficult times. You might find that life with a dog leads to less stress and anxiety overall. They’re so comforting and can help you feel more like yourself, even when you don’t believe recovery from whatever ails you is possible.

The Benefits of Pets for Human Health

Knowing the benefits of pets for human health can help you know just how your life will change with a dog or cat. While you may not experience all the benefits at once, you should know all good things come in time. As you wait to feel better, taking care of a pet will help you feel more disciplined and ready to tackle whatever may arise. You’ll be able to take on any obstacles that come your way when you learn new coping mechanisms through spending time with your pet.