Vet Talk: The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

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How are you feeling today? Happy? Healthy? Energetic? You can thank your pet for that! Our pets are more than just our companions. They literally help us live longer, healthier lives! The human-animal bond has been researched for decades, and the findings prove just how valuable pets are to our wellbeing. As an example, did you know pet owners have fewer doctor visits each year? Having a pet contributes to reduced obesity, reduced infections, and better mental health for children, seniors, and our nation’s veterans. 

Human-animal relationships lead to benefits like reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and decreased risk of heart disease. Positive brain chemicals, like dopamine and endorphins, are elevated when we are around our pets, making us feel happy, loved, and energetic. Conversely, cortisol, the chemical in our bodies related to stress, goes down! With decreased cortisol, and a decrease in other stress chemicals like epinephrine, pets improve our immune system and ability to manage pain. Pets also provide us with mental health benefits through alleviating stress, reducing loneliness, and mitigating symptoms for those with depression or PTSD. Furthermore, pet owners have better physical health, exercise more, and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. And what about the relationship our kids have with their pets? Children who have pets have a lower risk of allergies, larger range of emotional expression and control, lower stress levels, and enhanced empathy.

The human-animal bond is incredibly powerful and has been scientifically proven to enhance the health and lives of both the pet and the person! So go hug your pet, and have a great day!