The Benefits of Having a Pet for the Mental and Physical Health of Owners
Have you ever felt that warm feeling in your heart when you arrive home and are greeted by a furry companion? Pets transform lives, and science proves it.
Advertisements
During the pandemic, many people found them a relief from loneliness.
Studies show that living with pets reduces cortisol by 34% and increases oxytocin, the love hormone. They also help lower blood pressure and improve mood.
It's not just about affection. Caring for an animal promotes physical activity and socialization, essential factors for the well-being. Elderly people with pets, for example, visit doctors 30% less.
Want to understand how having a pet can change your life? Let's explore together the emotional, physical, and social impacts of this unique relationship.
Advertisements
Why the benefits of having a pet go beyond affection
Did you know that 140 million Brazilian homes have a petThis connection goes far beyond affection. According to the IBGE, they are part of the family and bring real changes to everyday life.
The relationship between owners and your pets is a two-way street. While you care for them, they also care for you. Simple routines, like feeding and walking, create moments of complicity and discipline.
Daily responsibilities, like taking your pet to the vet or brushing their fur, strengthen your organization.
“Those who have a pet develop skills like patience and empathy,” notes a study from the University of São Paulo.
These activities also increase the sense of purpose. Seeing your partner happy after a day of care reinforces your self-efficacy. It's a cycle of love and constant learning.
Read also: Smartest Dog Breeds: Is Your Pet on the List?
How a pet transforms your mental health
Veterans with PTSD have found emotional relief through therapy with dogs. Studies from the University of Arizona show that interactions with pets reduce anxiety and relive traumas with less intensity.
The secret lies in the body's chemistry. When you pet an animal, your brain releases oxytocin and serotonin. These hormones fight stress and raise the humor naturally.
Research from Virginia Commonwealth University shows concrete data. Just 15 minutes with a pet reduces cortisol by 28%. This hormone, linked to stress, drops dramatically.
“Therapy dogs are essential adjuncts in the treatment of depression“, states the study.
Amanda, a teacher from São Paulo, is a real example. Her golden retriever Kobe helped her manage panic attacks. anxiety. Routines like daily walks created an emotional anchor.
THE zootherapy is already scientifically recognized. Comparisons between guardians and non-guardians reveal: those who live with animals have 40% fewer indicators of mental health weakened.
Improved physical health with a pet
Anyone who has a four-legged companion knows: routines become more active. Walking the dog or playing with the cat isn't just fun. It's physical activity that is good for the body and heart.
Studies by the American Heart Association show something impressive. People with pets have a 40% lower risk of heart problems. The explanation? Constant movement and less stress.
See how this relationship helps your body:
| Activity | Benefit | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Daily tours | Improves circulation | 2,760 extra steps/day (seniors) |
| Dog yoga | Flexibility and relaxation | Burns 180 calories/hour |
| Games | Reduces cholesterol | Blood pressure 12% lower |
It's not magic. The simple act of petting your pet releases hormones that lower blood pressure. Research proves: 15 minutes a day makes a difference.
“Dog owners walk 20 minutes more than those who don’t have pets,” reveals a Brazilian study.
For the elderly, the numbers are even more significant. Prevention of thrombosis and increased mobility appear as clear advantages.
And it all starts with a leash in hand and the desire to move.
Your pet isn't just company. They're a furry personal trainer who keeps you healthy without you even realizing it. Every game, every walk, is a step toward a better life.
Read also: Domestic Rabbits: Are They Really Easy to Raise?
Pets combat loneliness and strengthen social relationships
Sharon Reid found the strength to start over in her dog's gaze. After losing her husband, the 68-year-old retiree faced empty days. "Thor forces me to get up, walk, and even talk to neighbors," she says.
This story is repeated in 86% of homes with animals, according to research from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. company constantly reduces the feeling of isolation, especially for those who live alone.
The Journal of Gerontology followed 400 seniors for 3 years. Those with dogs had:
| Indicator | Reduction | Control Group |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms of loneliness | 62% smaller | 22% smaller |
| Social interactions | 3.7/day | 1.2/day |
| Medical visits | 41% less | 15% less |
Parks become a stage for new friendships. Taking your pet creates invisible bridges between people. "I met my best friend on the way to the vet," says Roberta, owner of a stray dog.
“Animals are natural social catalysts,” says Dr. Lúcia Campos, geriatrician.
Do you want to turn your pet into an ally against loneliness? It works like this:
1. Participate in adoption fairs – even with an animal that has already been adopted
2. Sign up for group tours
3. Offer to pet-sit for elderly neighbors
These social relations start with a simple “can I pet your dog?”. The contact With other owners, you create spontaneous support networks. Your pet isn't just your friend—it's your connection to the world.
The positive impact of pets on the lives of seniors
How about starting the day with a lick and an extra dose of energy? For many elderly, this is the perfect routine.
A study from the University of Michigan reveals that caring for an animal increases quality of life after age 60.
The routine of to feed and to stroll creates structure. This brings incredible benefits to the memory. Research shows 30% fewer cases of early dementia among guardians.
See how this relationship works in practice:
| Activity | Impact | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Daily walks | Gain active time | 22 extra minutes/day |
| Fixed schedules | Cognitive stimulation | 34% more attention |
| Interactions | Reduction of loneliness | 62% fewer reports |
Nursing homes are already adopting animal therapies. "I prescribe pets as a complement to treatment," says geriatrician Dr. Marcos Silva. Ergonomic collars and elevated feeders make life easier for pet owners.
"My cat Simba reminds me to take my medicine. He meows exactly on time," says Dona Marta, 72.
The secret is in the exchange. As you care, you receive affection and purpose. Two out of three elderly consider their animals their best friends.
Want to transform your routine? A pet can be the start of happier, healthier days. Every walk, every care, is a step toward well-being.
Children and pets: emotional and immunological development
Imagine your child smiling while playing with a dog. This scene goes beyond fun. Scientists prove: living with animals strengthens health of children in surprising ways.
Studies show a reduction of 57% in cases of atopic dermatitis among children who have contact with pets.
The explanation is in the microbiota. Beneficial bacteria present in animals stimulate the immune system immunological childish.
The so-called “hygiene hypothesis” is gaining traction. Controlled exposure to animal allergens reduces the risk of allergies and asthmaChildren with pets have:
- 31% less sensitization to mites
- 22% less allergic rhinitis
- 40% fewer respiratory infections
Therapists use animals to treat ADHD. "Children who care for pets develop greater focus," explains Dr. Ana Lúcia Mendes. Feeding and brushing their teeth require constant attention.
"My son Pedro did better in school after getting a rabbit. We learned about responsibility together," says Carla, mother of an 8-year-old boy.
Want to safely introduce an animal? Follow these tips:
1. Start by visiting friends who have pets.
2. Choose breeds with a calm temperament
3. Maintain hygiene without overdoing it
The link between children and animals goes beyond friendship. It's a relationship that shapes bodies and minds for life. Every game, every caress, builds health and happiness.
See more: Pets and Children: How to Teach Them Safe and Healthy Coexistence
Pets as allies in the treatment of specific conditions
What do a Labrador, a horse, and a cat have in common? They can all be powerful partners in treating illnesses and disturbances.
THE therapy assisted by animals is gaining ground in hospitals and clinics, with impressive results.
At the Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo, dogs help children with autism improve communication. Weekly sessions show progress in 72% of cases. Contact with animals encourages:
- Prolonged eye contact
- Spontaneous social interactions
- Control of anxiety attacks
For war veterans with PTSD, the numbers are equally promising. A study of 120 patients revealed:
| Intervention | Duration | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional therapy | 6 months | 28% improvement |
| Dog therapy | 3 months | 53% symptom reduction |
| Control group | 6 months | 12% of progress |
"My dog Duke knows when I'm about to have a panic attack. He brings me medicine and stays by my side," says Carlos, a former military man.
Health plans begin to cover sessions therapy assisted. Unimed already has partnerships with 15 specialized NGOs. The benefits go beyond expectations:
• Dogs detect epileptic seizures up to 15 minutes before
• Equine therapy improves motor coordination in 68%
• Cats reduce anxiety in patients with Alzheimer's
If you or someone you care about is facing health challenges, consider this approach. Many centers offer free trial sessions.
Your new treatment ally may be just a bark away.
The science behind the human-animal connection
Have you ever stopped to think why your heart races when a dog looks into your eyes? science explains this magic.
Purdue University research reveals: eye contact between humans and dogs releases oxytocin – the same hormone that bonds mothers and babies.
That bond unique has been in the making for millennia. Since the Neolithic, when wolves began to approach humans, our evolution has progressed hand in hand.
Genetics proves it: dogs have developed special skills to read our expressions.
An MRI study revealed something fascinating. When interacting with animals, our brain activates the nucleus accumbens—an area linked to pleasure. The effect is comparable to that of mindfulness meditation.
“The connection between species is so profound that it altered our DNA,” says Dr. Roberto Dias, evolutionary biologist.
See how this relationship is formed:
| Element | Impact | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Prolonged gaze | Increased oxytocin | +57% in humans and dogs |
| Touch | Cortisol reduction | -30% in 10 minutes |
| Vocalization | Brain activation | 85% similarity to human speech |
Neuroscientists have discovered more. Dogs can detect subtle changes in our mood. They've evolved to understand even our smallest gestures.
This fine tuning explains why we feel so understood by them.
The future promises even greater revelations. New research investigate how this bond can help in the treatment of mental illness.
The connection that began in a prehistoric campfire now illuminates cutting-edge laboratories.
Your pet is not just a friend. It's part of a story. evolution shared that we are still writing together. Every look, every caress, is a chapter of this incredible journey.
Choosing the ideal pet for your lifestyle
Deciding which animal to take home goes beyond just loving pets. It requires a thorough analysis of space, time and up to your level of energyTufts University has developed a scientific method for this choice.
Breeds like Border Collies require large spaces and intense activity. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, adapt well to apartments. Check out this comparison:
| Tutor Profile | Recommended Breed | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Active (runners, cyclists) | Beagle, Labrador | R$ 180-250 |
| Sedentary (home office) | Bulldog, Pug | R$ 150-200 |
| Small apartment | Chihuahua, Persian Cat | R$ 120-170 |
"The right combination prevents frustration. A hyperactive dog in a confined space creates stress for both," explains veterinarian Dr. Fernanda Torres.
Before adopting, answer:
• How many hours a day do you have for care?
• Does your budget cover vaccines and premium food?
• Are there children or elderly people at home?
One interactive test helps with this decision. It analyzes 15 criteria, from allergies to frequent travel.
For beginners, fish or hamsters are great options. They require less time and adapt to any spaceThe important thing is to ensure harmony between your routine and the animal's needs.
Conclusion: a pet is an investment in happiness
A furry hug can be the secret to lighter, healthier days. Studies show that 80% of people feel less lonely with an animal around.
They stimulate feel-good hormones, creating a happiness that goes beyond affection.
The cost of food and veterinary care? Offset by the reduction in medical expenses. Those who live with animals have a better... quality of life and longevity. That's 30% fewer visits to doctors, according to research.
“My cat saved me from depression. love reminds me that there is always a reason to get up,” says Ana, a teacher from Curitiba.
Whether through adoption or responsible purchase, bringing an animal home means expanding your familyThey don't just fill empty spaces—they transform lives. How about starting this journey?