Our four-legged friends or pets contribute immensely to our mental health, providing love, assist and companionship nonetheless, it’s vital to recognise that we should reciprocate their unconditional love by treating them with compassion and guaranteeing they’re shielded from cruelty. Cherish the bonds we share with our furry pals whereas additionally advocating for his or her well-being inside our communities.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Jaisleen Kaur, Consultant, Lifestyle Coach and Image Alchemist in Dehradun, shared, “Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and emotional support animals (ESAs) have gained recognition for their ability to provide comfort and support to individuals struggling with mental health issues. These interventions have been found to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance social interaction.”

Numerous scientific research have highlighted the profound constructive affect that canines have on our psychological well-being. One examine carried out on the University of Liverpool (Binfet et al., 2018) discovered that interacting with canines can considerably cut back stress ranges and enhance total temper. The easy act of petting a canine releases oxytocin, the “love hormone” which fosters emotions of connection and contentment, resulting in a way of calmness and tranquillity.

Jaisleen Kaur revealed, “Additionally, dogs have been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. A meta-analysis published in BMC Psychiatry (García et al., 2020) examined multiple studies and concluded that dog ownership is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as increased feelings of social support, stress reduction and overall well-being. The presence of a dog can provide a sense of purpose and routine, encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity, establish a regular schedule, and form meaningful connections with others in their community.”

She gushed, “Spending time with pets feels like being surrounded by family, as they seek nothing more than love and kindness from us. Their ability to sense and respond with warmth and trust is a testament to the incredible resilience and capacity for love that dogs possess. When we open our hearts to dogs, we not only enhance our own lives but also create a more compassionate world for all.”

Shinjini Deb, Senior Clinical Psychologist in Kolkata, echoed that having pets round is ‘essentially the most enjoyable’ expertise and there are a number of advantages of being a paw-parent. She listed them as:

1. Being in a position to vent feelings and considerations with them. They would at all times assist you and be there for you!
2. They persistently present affection and love you unconditionally. You can by no means ignore that. That gesture at all times calls for reciprocation!
3. Being in a position to present them love and obtain from them unconditionally.
4. Cuddling and enjoying with them makes one really feel much less confused because it releases pleased hormones in your physique. Such an expertise makes one really feel content material and calm.
5. They convey a few sense of duty as you end up fascinated with their wants, maybe typically greater than your individual!
6. You study to care for your self in addition to you study to care for them.
7. Having to take them out for a stroll, atleast twice a day, has wonderful advantages for one’s personal psychological well being as effectively. The advantages of stepping out each day, for a brisk stroll even, can solely be felt. Words can by no means do justice to the frenzy of oxytocin and serotonin within the physique. The listing goes on! Pets absolutely do make our life experiences rather more fulfilling.