As Stress Awareness Month unfolds this April, the veterinary charity PDSA is drawing attention to the beneficial influence that pets can exert on our mental well-being.
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing underscores, “Stress can permeate every aspect of our lives – the demands of daily routines, financial strains, and the balancing act between family and work responsibilities can all pose significant challenges. Notably, the Office for National Statistics revealed that one-third of adults experienced heightened levels of anxiety as of March this year. Yet, as both a veterinary nurse and a pet owner myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our animal companions can mitigate the effects of stress, providing invaluable support during tough times.”
Citing PDSA’s annual PAW Report*, it’s revealed that an overwhelming nine out of ten pet owners (87%) affirm that owning a pet positively impacts their mental health. Furthermore, an impressive 94% express that pet ownership contributes to their overall happiness. The question then arises: what lies behind this phenomenon?
Nina elucidates that numerous studies have correlated pet ownership with tangible benefits for both physical and mental health.
“Multiple studies indicate that pet owners have a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Moreover, for individuals already grappling with such health issues, evidence suggests that the companionship of pets may ameliorate symptoms, enhance recovery prospects, and even extend lifespans,” she asserts.
Given that stress can precipitate severe health conditions like heart disease and hypertension, the potential of pets to mitigate the physiological toll of prolonged stress is reassuring.
The impact on physical health is most pronounced among dog owners, with 86% attesting to the positive influence of their pets on physical well-being, largely attributable to regular walks. Nevertheless, even among cat and rabbit owners, a substantial proportion – 46% and 49% respectively – acknowledge the beneficial impact on physical health.
However, it’s not solely the physical dimension of health that pets bolster; research underscores their role in alleviating stress for many individuals.
For instance, PDSA’s PAW Report also unveils that 85% of pet owners perceive their pets as mitigating loneliness. Given that a quarter of adults, according to the ONS, admit to experiencing loneliness, and chronic isolation can heighten susceptibility to stress, mental ailments, and other health complications, pets assume an indispensable role in fostering companionship and offering unconditional affection.
For numerous pet owners, their animals provide invaluable companionship and unwavering love, offering daily interaction, a sense of purpose, and structured routines – all pivotal in supporting and managing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Nonetheless, Nina offers a word of caution: “It’s imperative to recognize that pets aren’t a panacea for all woes,” she admonishes. “Pets are sentient beings with their own needs and emotions, necessitating a serious commitment. Prior to embracing pet ownership, it’s crucial to ensure one possesses the requisite time, financial resources, and dedication to cater to their needs comprehensively.”
