6 Important Ways Pets Help Improve Mental Health

Mental health is in the spotlight as professionals and individuals talk about the need to care for human’s emotional and mental wellbeing as much as they care for their physical wellbeing.

Poor mental health can have serious and even life threatening effects on social, professional and physical part of a person’s life. There are many treatments and therapies now available to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression and other related conditions. One of the more popular and growing treatments is pet therapy. Animals, especially dogs, provide great comfort to their owners and visitors. Pooches help people overcome uncomfortable situations in many ways.

Unconditional Love

Love is an essential emotion that all humans need in order to thrive. Pets offer unconditional love to their two legged kin. For those with minimal person-to-person contact or lack of emotional connections, having an animal by their side showering them with positive affection creates a bond that nurtures the sole.

Reduces Stress

Pets are great stress relievers. There is nothing more soothing than coming home after a bad day only to be greeted by an excited, happy pup. The joy of seeing their owner, and the comfort people get from snuggling with their animals quickly and naturally melts away the negative tensions of the day.

Playing with the pet and taking them for walks everyday also provides a natural distraction that melts away the tension.

Give Purpose

We all need purpose in life in order to continue to grow and evolve. Without purpose, individuals can start to feel like their life has no meaning. A pet who needs to be cared for and relies on their human companion for their daily needs gives the owner a sense of purpose in their life.

Provides Regular Exercise

It has been proven that exercise is one of the best treatments for reducing levels of stress and depression. The movements increase oxygen and nutrient flow to the tissues while it also increases endorphin secretion. The more endorphins we emit, the happier we feel. Daily exercise with a canine is a great, natural way to get moving and out of the house. It’s also fun.

Reduces Anxiety

Certain situations can increase anxiety levels, making it extremely difficult to face those moments. Avoidance only makes it worse so it is important to find ways to handle the occasion calmly and tension free. Four-legged friends help by offering unwavering emotional support during those hard times.

Help Deal With Loss

Loss is hard to deal with. Whether it is death of a loved one, a career, a part of our health, a home, or other significant events, the emotional effects take their toll. When grieving, sometimes people just need unconditional support without the conversation or advice. Pets offer that. They are fur friends that will snuggle with their humans and stay with them without conversation or judgement. The solid support helps people through the stages or grief and depression that follow loss.

Pets play an important role in helping manage and improve mental health. The genuine and authentic love and support they offer has countless benefits for a person’s well-being. At Top Pet Gifts, we know how vital and valuable the four legged furry family members are in a home. We have many products to help keep the poochies just as healthy and happy as their owners.