Owning a pet is a ready-made antidote to gloom – and they not only improve our mood, but our physical health as well.
PDSA Vet, Vicki Larkham-Jones, said: “Lots of studies support what pet owners have long suspected, that our four-legged friends really do help us to feel better, both mentally and physically. Their unconditional love and devotion provides us with life-long companionship and there is lots of evidence that pets really do have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing.”
Not only are pet owners less likely to suffer with depression, they often have greater self-esteem, feel less fearful and less lonely, with pets acting as a great social catalyst, for example, meeting other dog owners while out walking. Another study found that older pet owners coped better with stressful life events than non-owners.
Pets often add structure to people’s lives, with regular feeding and exercise to add to the day’s task list. As well as the physical benefits of taking dogs for walks, pet owners can have significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to people without pets.
Cat owners needn’t feel left out though – they have a decreased risk of death from a heart attack or stroke, according to the University of Minnesota. Another study showed that simply watching fish in an aquarium can help to lower blood pressure, as can stroking a cat or listening to a contented purr.
Vicki added: “Our pets are viewed as members of our families; and caring for a pet can provide a focus in life, which is particularly important for vulnerable people, such as the ill or elderly. But pet ownership can be a huge benefit to us all in our everyday lives, helping us to live happier, healthier lives.
“Although we would never suggest people take on a pet on a whim just to help their own health, these benefits can certainly be taken into account if you’re considering getting a pet.”
PDSA is on a mission to educate the nation on pet wellbeing and is delighted that funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is helping the charity to continue this vital work. For more pet care tips log onto www.pdsa.org.uk