How do pets and mental health affect each other according to science?
Pets and mental health are connected in ways that science is increasingly confirming. People around the world experience calm, joy, and emotional stability thanks to their pets, and numerous studies show that their benefits go much deeper than just companionship. In ApA, we reveal the scientific evidence that pets have a positive impact on mental health.
There's something special about when our dog greets us with a wagging tail or our cat purrs as we pet it. That feeling of warmth and calm isn't just a subjective impression—it's backed up by science. Numerous studies in psychology, neurology, and medical studies suggest that pets have a strong and direct impact on our mental health.
Pets reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, encourage social interaction, and can even help fight depression. Some of these effects are so powerful that animals have become an integral part of modern therapeutic methods. Below, we bring you the most important ones Scientific evidence explaining why pets are good for our mind, heart and soul.
Pets reduce stress and cortisol levels
One of the most researched benefits of pets is their ability to reduce stress. Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted when we are under stress, and chronically elevated cortisol is associated with:
- anxiety
- headaches
- insomnia
- depression
- weakened immunity
Research from the University at Buffalo has proven that petting a dog or cat reduces cortisol levels after just a few minutes.
In the same study, subjects had lower blood pressure in the presence of pets than in the presence of people.
Why is this happening?
The contact of animals with people activates parasympathetic nervous system, in charge of relaxation and recovery. Bodily reactions to the touch of an animal are compared to the effect of meditation.
Pets increase the level of oxytocin - the hormone of happiness
Oxytocin, known as the "love and connection hormone", is released during:
- hugs
- gentle touch
- eye contact
- interactions between owner and pet
A study by the University of Tokyo showed that owners and their dogs experience a mutual oxytocin surge just by looking into each other's eyes. This creates a sense of closeness and emotional security.
What does oxytocin do to our brain?
- reduces stress
- increases confidence
- promotes a feeling of happiness
- reduces loneliness
- improves mood
That is why it is often said that pets "calm the soul".
Pets reduce anxiety and panic attacks
Therapy dogs are increasingly being used to work with people who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, or social phobias.
Studies published in American Psychological Association show that animal care:
- reduces overthinking
- diverts focus from negative thoughts
- it creates a routine that stabilizes the mental state
Pets bring us back to the present moment. They don't worry about tomorrow or yesterday - they live now, and their rhythm of life helps us to ground ourselves.
They help fight depression
Depression often brings with it feelings of emptiness, loss of energy, and emotional withdrawal.
This is where pets play a key role because:
a) they provide unconditional love
No matter what our day is like, a pet welcomes us with joy.
b) create a sense of purpose
When we care for another being, the motivational center of the brain is activated.
c) introduce structure into the day
Food, water, walking and playing - routines that save people in depression.
Study from BMC Psychiatry showed that dog owners were up to 30% less likely to develop depressive episodes.
Pets reduce loneliness - science clearly confirms this
Loneliness is one of the most dangerous problems of the modern age.
The UN announced during the pandemic that people with pets had significantly lower levels of loneliness.
Why?
- animals provide emotional closeness
- they are always there, they don't judge
- create a sense of belonging
- improve self-esteem
For the elderly, pets are even associated with reduced risk of dementia, because they encourage social interaction and mental activity.
Dogs and cats improve physical health (which directly affects mental health)
Mental and physical health cannot be separated. The more active we are, the healthier our brains are.
Walking the dog raises mental energy
Dog owners have:
- more movement
- lower risk of obesity
- better sleep
- more time in nature
All this reduces the risk of depression and anxiety.
Cats calm the nervous system
Their purring vibrates in the range of 25–150 Hz, which has a therapeutic effect:
- reduces tension
- improves mood
- lowers blood pressure
That is why it is said that "the cat is the best little house psychologist".
If you want to know how walking with a dog further improves mental health and mood, read our article on morning walk with the dog and its benefits. https://apachannel.com/jutarnja-setnja-sa-psom-benefiti/
Pets encourage social interactions and new connections
Dog owners often experience something interesting: it's easier to meet people in the park. Studies from the University of Warwick show that dogs one of the biggest "social catalysts"“.
Walking a dog increases:
- chances to meet new people
- a sense of belonging to a community
- building self-confidence
For the elderly, this significantly reduces the feeling of isolation.
8. Therapy animals – when science and love work together
Today, animals are used in:
• trauma and PTSD therapy
Veterans who work with dogs show significantly lower levels of PTSD symptoms.
• hospitals and homes for the elderly
Animal visits reduce loneliness, calm heart rhythms, and improve patients' general condition.
• therapy of children with special needs
Working with horses (hippotherapy) improves motor skills, self-confidence, and emotional stability.
The scientific effects of therapy animals include:
- low blood pressure
- lower pulse
- muscle relaxation
- increasing serotonin and dopamine
- a greater sense of control and security
These results have been replicated in more than 20 independent studies.
You can read more about how animals help with therapy and mental health in an excellent article on the portal. The Animalist, where they explain the different shapes in detail animal-assisted therapy. https://theanimalistba.com/terapija-uz-pomoc-zivotinja/
Pets improve sleep quality
Especially dogs and cats that sleep near their owners.
Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that people reported:
- falling asleep faster
- fewer nighttime awakenings
- feeling of security during sleep
However, excessive animal activity can bother some, so a balance should be found.
The influence of pets on children - emotional development and empathy
Children who grow up with animals have:
- more developed empathy
- better social skills
- fewer stress reactions
- better emotional intelligence
Contact with animals in early childhood is also associated with less occurrence of allergies and stronger immunity.
Why?
Children learn responsibility, caring and non-verbal communication – which are key elements of emotional maturity.
Pets as part of personal growth and spiritual balance
Science confirms the physical and emotional benefits, but there is also a deeper level.
Pets teach us:
- patience
- gratitude
- presence in the moment
- compassion
- unconditional love
In a spiritual sense, pets are often a mirror:
as we treat them, so we treat life.
They have a positive influence even when they are not "our" pets
Even a brief interaction with someone else's animal can have a therapeutic effect.
Study from Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed that looking at pictures of animals increases focus and reduces stress during work.
Pets and mental health in a digitally isolated world
Today we spend hours looking at our phones, away from real touch and contact.
They are pets. one of the rare sources of true, unfiltered connection.
They bring us back to the real world, to nature, to movement and emotion.
Internal recommended links (written in natural style):
- If you want to know why mental hygiene is as important as physical hygiene, see the text that talks about how regular "soul washing" affects health.
- On our portal you can also read an article about what crystal therapy is and how it is used in contemporary spiritual work.
Conclusion: Pets are medicine for soul and body
The scientific evidence is clear: pets strongly, measurably and multifacetedly improve mental health.
They reduce stress, anxiety and depression, increase oxytocin, encourage activity and create a sense of security and belonging.
In a world that is becoming faster, colder and more digital, pets are one of the purest sources of warmth.
If you have a pet - you already know what we are talking about.
If you are just planning to get one - maybe this is the best decision for your emotional and mental well-being.
Call to action
If this text reminded you of how much pets enrich our lives, share it with someone who would make their day brighter. And if you have your own little (or big) shaggy therapist – hug them right now.
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Questions for readers?
1. Do you have a pet and how does it affect your mood?
Does it help you calm down after a stressful day?
2. What is your favorite moment with your pet that made your day?
Share a little story - it can brighten someone's morning.
3. Have you felt a difference in your mental health since getting a pet?
If so, what has changed the most?
4. In your opinion - do pets help better against stress or against loneliness?
We love to hear your experience.
5. If you don't currently have a pet, would you like to have one and why that particular type?