5 Ways Having a Pet Improves Our Brain Health!!

5 Ways Having a Pet Improves Our Brain Health!!

There’s a good reason why those cute cat and dog memes on social media are
so popular. Pets make you feel good. Unless you’re allergic, there’s nothing
more comforting than having a cat curl up on your lap or your dog rush to
greet you when you get home.
Besides being lovable, researchers are finding that there is good scientific
evidence that having a pet is actively good for your brain health. Here are four
ways pets benefit your brain.
1. Pets Are Great for Your Brain Chemistry
When you see your pet, your brain automatically releases the pleasure
chemicals oxytocin and serotonin. You are flooded with feel-good hormones
and feel happy. Conversely, your cortisol levels drop. That’s the brain chemical
associated with stress and anxiety.
2. Pets Help Your Mental Health
Being a pet owner can help if you suffer from depression and anxiety. As well
as having a connection with a creature who offers unconditional love, having a
pet gives you a reason to get out of bed, even if it’s just to empty the litter tray
or walk the dog. For many people with depression, a cat or dog can provide the
closest connection and support in their lives.
3. Owning a Pet is Good for Your Heart Health
A number of studies have shown a correlation between pet ownership and a
lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Researchers believe that it’s not just the physical activity associated with
walking a dog, for example, that helps boost heart health. The benefits of
stress relief and deep emotional connection with your dog or cat can be just as
impactful.

4. Pets Improve Childhood Outcomes
Studies have shown that owning a pet in childhood has positive impacts on
behavior, cognitive function, emotional and mental health, and even social
development. Animals help children who are having problems with self-
esteem, loneliness, and social interaction.
Pets can be especially helpful for children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome,
who often have problems with social connection and communication.
5. Pets Can Help Older People
Therapy dogs and cats are increasingly being used in nursing homes and other
facilities caring for people with dementia. Having access to a pet can help with
some of the most distressing symptoms such as memory loss, anxiety, and
behavioral problems. Even robot animals can help reduce the need for
medication in older patients with dementia.
If you’ve wanted a pet, now you have even more reasons to get one. They
improve quality of life and brain health!