Companion Animals Combat Loneliness

Adopting a pet is a strong strategy to relieve feelings of loneliness. In addition, companion animals can have many positive effects on people of all ages. For example, companion animals can help elders deal with social isolation or keep them company if they’re homebound. Similarly, studies show that companion animals can help young children live active lives through encouraging exercise. Similarly, a growing number of studies have emerged on the values of sharing your household with a pet, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

Animals ward off loneliness because they provide company and exhibit many human-like behaviours. Dogs and cats in particular can sense human emotions and know when we need comfort. Pets can provide comfort by fulfilling our basic need for touch.

Taking care of a pet can help get people out of the house by encouraging them to take neighbourhood walks. The pet can be a stepping stone for those struggling to build meaningful relationships. Having a pet with you in public can be a good conversation starter and attract people to stop and talk to you (while petting the animal, of course). Therefore, having a pet can be a great aid to developing human relationships to combat loneliness as well.

Older adults can especially benefit from pets since the pets add joy and meaning to life. A study shows that older adults who lived alone were more likely to have feelings of loneliness. As we get older, many things that kept us on schedule and occupied our time (such as a job or children) are likely not a dominant part of our time anymore. Caring for a pet can add some richness back into our lives. The study also showed that living with a pet encouraged social connectedness and decreased isolation feelings. Furthermore, good exercise and taking care of ourselves can help manage some of the physical struggles of aging. Pets encourage healthy habits such as exercise, playfulness, and laughter.

Similarly, pets have great effects on children. Children who grow up with pets are less likely to have allergies and improve immunity systems. Having a pet can also foster responsibility, compassion and empathy in children. Pets can also help children cope with separate anxiety from their parents, through the calming company of their pet.

A pet requires a great deal of commitment and should not be taken lightly. However, the necessary care an animal requires can help tackle depression. If we’re feeling down, a pet can give us a reason to wake up in the morning, to get out of the house for a walk, and into a regular routine. Getting out and getting exercise can help our mood and combat depression. A companion animal is the perfect medicine for our loneliness, as long as we ensure the pet will be adequately cared for.

Studies even show countless health benefits from owning a companion animal. Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure in stressful situations. Pet owners also have lower cholesterol levels. Feline owners have been linked to reduced chance of stroke, and pets in general can help you recover after a heart attack. No matter which companion animal you choose, they’re bound to have a positive presence on your health.

While pets can have a significant and positive impact on your life, you have the ability to have a positive impact on theirs. In fact, studies suggest that it is our responsibility, as dog owners, to encourage mental stimulation and exercise in our canine companions. In return, “not only does your dog get to use their brain, but you get to bond with your dog as well!”

All in all, the choice to get a pet can benefit you as much as it benefits the animal you’ve chosen to adopt and provide for.

You can read more about the many benefits of having a dog here: https://goldenretrieverlove.com/the-health-benefits-of-owning-a-dog/.

Dr. Ernie Ward, “Pets Help Cure Loneliness in Seniors” Pet Health Network (blog), online: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/news-blogs/a-vets-life/pets-help-cure-loneliness-seniors.
“The Mood Boosting Powers of Pets” HelpGuide (blog), online: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm.
Ibid.
Bruce Y Lee, “Are you Feeling Lonely? How About Getting a Pet?” (2 June 2019), Forbes (blog), online: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2019/06/02/are-you-feeling-lonely-how-about-getting-a-pet/#156943744408.
Supra note 2.
Ibid.
Supra note 4.
Ibid.
Supra note 2.
Stanley IH et al, “Pet Ownership May Attenuate Loneliness Among Older Adult Primary Care Patients who Live Alone” (18 September 2013), National Centre for Biotechnology Information, online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24047314.
Supra note 4.
Supra note 2.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Alexandra Gekas, “10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet” (28 February 2011), Woman’sDay (blog), online: < https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2352/10-health-benefits-of-owning-a-pet-116238/>.
Somma, Marina. “8 Best Mental Exercises for Your Dog.” Your Dog Advisor, Your Dog Advisor, 22 July 2019, yourdogadvisor.com/best-dog-mental-exercises/.
Ibid.
Cory Eckert, “The Health Benefits of Owning a Dog”, Golden Retriever Love, online: <https://goldenretrieverlove.com/the-health-benefits-of-owning-a-dog/>