Can A Pet Change Your Life?

Grace Dawson

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Animals can change your life for the better. A pet doesn’t just ease loneliness, they encourage the release of endorphins. Whether you’re thinking of getting a pet or already have an animal friend, it is undeniable that they provide a special bond like no other.

The Power Of Owning A Pet

Many people talk about how much they love their pets. But do they really benefit our mental health and well-being?

Research by the American Psychiatric Association shows pets improve the mental health of their owners. Up to 86 per cent of owners say their pets have a positive impact. This is true regardless of whether they own a cat or a dog, although less so with other animals. Pets reduce stress, provide a calming presence, and are a great source of companionship.

These benefits were particularly evident during the pandemic. In lockdown, there was a sudden surge of people adopting animals. According to research, conducted by the University of York, up to 90 per cent of people claim their pet helped them cope during the lockdown. No doubt having a source of unconditional love and support helps people cope in difficult circumstances.

The Emotional Benefits

As established above, animals really do help our emotional well-being. Simple acts, like playing with a dog or cat, are known to elevate both dopamine and serotonin. Unsurprisingly, dog owners are also less likely to be depressed.

“Looking after an animal teaches children about empathy and respect”

Being able to come home to a pet greeting you provides a daily source of comfort. Having a little friend to cuddle and spend time with can make you happy on a regular basis. Pet ownership is known to reduce loneliness because you always have a companion. A pet also helps you connect with others, providing a topic of conversation among other animals.

Another benefit of being a pet owner is the life skills you learn. A great deal of responsibility comes with owning a pet. Looking after an animal teaches children about empathy and respect. Pets also create a sense of routine, since you need to feed, clean, and walk your pet regularly. Ultimately, this structure improves physical and mental health.

Therapy And Service Animals

Some animals provide additional support to those who need it. Most people know about guide dogs for those with sight or hearing loss, but animals can also help with a variety of issues, including allergies, diabetes, seizures, and epilepsy. Dogs are the most common service animals, having assisted people since 1927. Currently, 7000 people in the UK have assistance dogs.

There is also pet therapy (also known as animal-assisted therapy), where people interact with trained animals. It can help with motor skills, movement, and communication skills. In hospitals and nursing homes, dogs are popular for pet therapy.

“Even the simple act of playing with a dog or a cat gets us up from the couch”

In recent years, emotional support animals have become very popular. These animals don’t need special training, as they aren’t used for guided pet therapy. Instead, they provide a source of comfort and companionship for their owners. They can also reduce anxiety, which may be their main purpose if their owners have mental health problems.

The Physical Benefits

Animals increase our physical activity levels. Dogs motivate us to exercise outside, no matter what the weather is. Owning a horse correlates with improved cardiovascular health. Even the simple act of playing with a dog or a cat gets us up from the couch and moving around the house.

In conclusion, the benefits animals can provide are endless. But this doesn’t answer the initial question: Can a pet change your life? From my own personal experience, I really believe they can.

How Bella Changed My Life

“She was the perfect first dog, obedient and loving”

I was seven years old and beyond ecstatic when my dad finally agreed that we could get a dog, after years of me begging. A few months later, we had a tiny miniature schnauzer in our home. We settled on the name Bella.

Those who are not pet owners might struggle to understand how a pet can change your life. But Bella did change mine. She was the perfect first dog, obedient and loving. I grew up with her by my side, throughout my school years, until my second year of university in 2022.

It is difficult to explain how important she was to my family and me. My brother suffers from epilepsy and Bella would always know when he was going to have a seizure. She would circle him and keep pawing at him.

Last year, when we lost Bella, it was like losing a piece of my childhood. She had gone deaf during her last few years and developed a heart condition, so we knew it was only a matter of time. However, nothing prepares you for the pain of losing a pet.

Before we had Bella, my Dad had been adamant about our family getting a dog. Today, we have three miniature schnauzers: Lola, Ruby, and Daymer. In fact, we’re a slightly “dog-crazy” family. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We still miss Bella dearly. I will never forget the thirteen years of unconditional love she gave me and my family. But our other dogs bring us so much joy and happiness, with their funny little personalities.

If you are currently on the fence about getting a pet, I would strongly urge you to do so. You really will have a friend for life. And, who knows? Maybe they will change your life for the better.

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Featured image courtesy of Eric Ward on Unsplash. No changes made to this image. Image license found here.