How Pets Keep Us Happy

One of the secrets to happiness? Pets! Whether you travel a lot and only have time for a fish or are a proud dog parent, pets help to keep us happy. They think the world of their owners and are non-judgmental bundles of joy that know how to make us smile. People who have pets are often happier than non-pet owners. The reasons why pets keep us happy is actually science and psychology.

Oxytocin and Cortisol

Part of the reason pets keep us happy is the chemical effects they have on the brain. When you pet or play with an animal, whether it’s a dog or a rabbit, your brain releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone”, and it helps to combat depressive thoughts and feelings. Oxytocin is also released when we’re hugging a loved one or holding a baby. Pets also reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the stress hormone. It’s responsible for the fight or flight response. When the body has high levels of cortisol over a long period of time, it has negative effects on the body, especially the heart.

Loneliness

Many people feel lonely from time to time. Whether you live alone or feel disconnected from friends and family, loneliness affects everyone from time to time. Feelings of loneliness can worsen certain psychological conditions like anxiety and depression. Pets, even super low-maintenance ones like fish, give us a sense of companionship. They help us to feel less alone.

Instant Mood Improvers

Pets know how to make their owners smile. When you come home after a long day and are greeted by excited tail wagging or meowing, you feel better. Even if you had a long and tiring day, you temporarily forget about your troubles, and your mood improves. Pets are great distractions from negative thoughts and feelings like anxiety, stress, or worry. They live in the moment and teach us to do the same.

Activity

Dog owners walk more than non-dog owners. Having a pet like a dog encourages activity, they need to be walked twice a day and enjoy playtime and exercise. Dogs are also social and make it easier to make friends and socialize when you’re out on your morning walk. Even pets like cats encourage more activity in their owners through playtime and daily routines. Having a routine is great for mental health too.

If you’re feeling like something is missing from your life and you could be happier, think about getting a pet. There are pets for nearly any commitment level. A pet like a dog is going to need more commitment than a rabbit. It’s important to choose the right pet for your lifestyle. Dogs often have trouble spending long periods of time alone, but cats are typically more tolerant. Pets improve our mental health and well being, which is why psychologists and doctors recommend emotional support animals for those with certain mental conditions. Pets help us to feel less alone, encourage activity, and chemically change our brain to be happier.