In the United States, there are more than 180 million pets, an overwhelming figure when compared to the national one, as there are 5.1 million dogs and 2.2 million cats in Spain. It is obvious that those who decide to bring a pet into their lives do so to enrich it, to have companionship, to be happier. But American scientists have shown that the benefit is deeper and has a direct connection to our brain.
For about a decade now, they have been investigating the fact that pets trigger our oxytocin levels. This hormone helps strengthen the bond between us, as it is responsible, among other things, for us loving, being faithful, compassionate, kind... and for us being able to give birth and breastfeed. But in recent years, studies have gone further and very interesting fields of study are opening up.
1. They get our brain chemicals working
As we said, happiness hormones increase. But at the same time, cortisol levels, which are related to stress, anxiety, isolation and weight gain, decrease. All this according to the "Center to Study Human-Animal Relationships and Environments" at the University of Minnesota. So much so that some time ago a university in the United States set up a room for students to relax... by petting puppies and spending time with them.
2. They keep our mental health under control
Animals help people with emotional or mental problems, such as anxiety and depression, to improve their condition. This is because pets are family members. They offer emotional support and help, in daily life. In certain cases, these people have a stronger bond with their pets than with other people. This can curb self-destructive instincts and panic attacks. In addition, pets give them a reason to carry out their daily tasks, take action and assume responsibilities. Pets should be considered a primary source and not a marginal source of support in managing long-term mental health problems, which should have implications for health service planning and provision.
3. They help our heart
Several studies in both the US and China show a fascinating correlation between pet ownership and a lower risk of dying from heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
4. They help us age
Patients with dementia often face problems such as anxiety, depression, and loss of the will to live. This can make their lives and those of their family very, very difficult. In recent years, researchers have turned to pet therapy as a way to create an emotionally beneficial bond for dementia patients. In this post we tell you more about it in detail.
5. They help us grow
Recent studies show that emotional, cognitive, educational, and social connections develop better during childhood in cases where children live with animals. So much so that it is said that children can even prefer their ARISTOPETS to their siblings, as we told you here. Since they help strengthen their self-esteem, improve social skills, acquire responsibility, and interact in a group. They are an inexhaustible source of affection and among them, there is never rivalry.
Although these areas are still under development, they show how pets affect us and place them on a wonderful level, where they are not only our life companions but also an inexhaustible source of health.