Animal Therapists: How Pets Help Us Reduce Stress and Live Healthier Lives

The connection between humans and animals is as old as time itself. Our pets are more than loyal companions or best friends – they give our lives meaning, provide structure and help us feel more balanced. New research shows that animals can actually help reduce our stress and may even extend our lives.

In this article, we take a closer look at how animals can help as therapeutic companions and how pets influence their owners’ mental health. It is widely known that pets can have a calming effect on people and often provide emotional support. But how exactly does this work? What scientific evidence supports it? And which animals are particularly well suited as therapeutic companions? We will explore these and other questions in detail in this article.

Table of contents

1. Can animals make us happy?
2. How can pets help improve our health?
3. Why does petting animals reduce stress? A look at endorphins
4. Which animal species can help improve our health?
5. Reducing stress in the office with Mavi: our four-legged Feel-Good Manager
6. Which conditions may benefit from animal-assisted intervention?
7. How do pets affect our longevity?
8. How do I know whether a pet suits my lifestyle?
9. Conclusion
10. Sources

Can animals make us happy?

Of course animals can make us happy. The emotional bond we can build with animals creates a sense of contentment and happiness. Whether it is your dog wagging its tail joyfully when you come home or your cat purring softly while lying on your lap, these small moments are often associated with feelings of contentment and happiness.

But it is not only about emotional moments. There is also a scientific basis. Did you know that our body releases the “cuddle hormone” oxytocin when we spend time with our pets? This hormone is known to promote feelings of happiness and well-being. So yes, animals can definitely make us happy.

Oxytocin, however, is more than just a hormone. It plays a decisive role in forming social bonds, building trust and developing affection.

Oxytocin is also a genuine stress reliever. In stressful situations, it can calm the body and help us feel more relaxed. This is one reason animals are often used in therapy – their presence can help the body produce more oxytocin and thereby make us feel calmer. This raises the question: can we really “pet our stress away”? We will examine this question more closely below.

How can pets help improve our health?

In recent years, science has produced increasing evidence that pets can play an important role in promoting both mental and physical health. From lowering blood pressure to improving social behaviour, the therapeutic benefits of pets are being recognised and appreciated more and more.

Mental health professionals, for example, are increasingly using animals in therapy to support patients in coping with anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.

Interaction with animals can strengthen the immune system, particularly during childhood. The diversity of microbes that animals introduce into our environment challenges the immune system and promotes its development. This ultimately improves the body’s ability to defend itself successfully against disease and may provide long-term benefits.

Why does petting animals reduce stress? A look at endorphins

Petting animals is more than an affectionate gesture – it is actually an effective method of reducing stress. But why is this the case? The answer lies in the biochemical reactions that take place in our body when we stroke an animal.

Endorphins, often referred to as “happiness hormones”, play an important role. These neurotransmitters are released when we pet animals and can help create feelings of happiness and satisfaction. They have pain-relieving and calming effects, which contribute to relaxation and stress reduction.

Research studies have shown that interacting with pets produces measurable physiological changes in the body that can help reduce stress. A study by New York University, for example, showed that the presence of a pet can lower blood pressure, particularly in stressful situations.

In addition to endorphins, oxytocin, the so-called “cuddle hormone”, also plays an important role. Oxytocin is believed to reduce the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found that pets can help lower cortisol levels and promote the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.

Studies have also shown that pets can help reduce stress at a psychological level. They provide emotional support, comfort us and distract us from our worries. They also encourage us to be more active and spend more time outdoors, which can also contribute to stress reduction.

Physical contact with animals can also stimulate the release of various other hormones that have positive effects on our well-being. Petting and cuddling pets has been shown to reduce stress, particularly when there is a close bond between the animal and the person.

But remember: not all animals enjoy being stroked or touched in the same way. Some may find touch intrusive. It is therefore important to respect their signals and give them the space they need. Ultimately, the goal is to build a loving and respectful relationship with our animal friends.

In brief: Oxytocin and endorphins measurably reduce stress and cortisol – even contact with a pet can trigger this effect.

Which animal species can help improve our health?

Every animal has its own unique strengths. Dogs, for example, are known for their ability to reduce stress and promote general well-being. They help us feel loved and needed, which improves our overall well-being. But that is not all. Dogs require regular exercise, meaning we have to walk, play and move with them. This helps us remain active and burn calories, which in turn contributes to maintaining a healthy weight. Your four-legged friend could therefore genuinely be your personal fitness trainer.

Information: Under Germany’s Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance, our four-legged friends have a legal right to regular walks. The law states that an adult dog should be taken outside at least twice a day.

Contact with cats can also lower stress hormone levels and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Stroking a cat triggers a relaxation response that can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels. This may even help with depression. Being in the company of a cat can help ease feelings of loneliness. Cats can create a safe, comforting environment and are often good companions for people living with anxiety.

And cats are not the only animals that offer wonderful benefits. Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs can make excellent pets for children because they teach them responsibility and how to care lovingly for another living being. Birds, with their cheerful songs and bright colours, also bring joy and relaxation into our lives.

Even more exotic animals such as snakes or lizards can offer therapeutic benefits – they stimulate our interest and provide a very different form of interaction. It is truly remarkable what animals can do for us.

Reducing stress in the office with Mavi: our four-legged Feel-Good Manager

At our longevity start-up neotes, Mavi, an Alaskan Klee Kai, is an integral part of the team. As our Feel-Good Manager, as we call him, he not only contributes to a positive working atmosphere but also reflects our company philosophy, which focuses on longevity and well-being.

Every day, Mavi reminds us that stress reduction and joy are essential elements of a long and healthy life. Whether he greets us by wagging his tail or motivates us to go for a walk in bad weather, Mavi definitely helps bring a smile to the team’s faces.

Which conditions may benefit from animal-assisted intervention?

Animal-assisted interventions have proven helpful for a broad range of conditions and can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of those affected. Whether involving specially trained therapy or assistance animals that have remarkable effects on their owners, or simply the affectionate presence of a pet, they can all help alleviate the symptoms of many illnesses.

Animal-assisted therapy has proved particularly valuable for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, burnout, depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Assistance dogs and other animals can help reduce the limitations caused by these conditions and support a life worth living.

Another area in which animal-assisted interventions can make a significant difference is the treatment of addiction. Caring for an animal can provide structure and distraction from addiction-related thoughts and behaviours. In addition, responsibility for a pet can encourage motivation to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

One study even showed that the close relationship between people with drug addiction and their dogs can be used to ease withdrawal and support the healing process. Animal-assisted therapies, such as integrating pets into addiction treatment centres, can complement rehabilitation and help patients reconnect with themselves emotionally and physically.

Animal-assisted therapy may also be helpful in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). People with ASD often have difficulty understanding and maintaining social interactions and may display repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. In this context, animals offer a unique form of communication and interaction that may be particularly accessible to people with autism.

The presence of a pet can provide feelings of calm and safety and ease stress and anxiety. Animals are non-judgemental and accept people unconditionally, which can strengthen self-esteem and build trust.

Animal-assisted therapy may also be helpful in the treatment of dementia. It may help preserve cognitive abilities and reduce agitation or aggression.

For children and adolescents with cancer, animal-assisted interventions can represent a valuable complementary therapy. They may help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the illness and its treatment. Overall, animal-assisted interventions offer a wide range of benefits for people with different conditions. They can improve both physical and mental health and contribute to general quality of life.

How do pets affect our longevity?

Various studies have shown that pet owners, particularly dog owners, may have a longer life expectancy. Findings from a study by Uppsala University in Sweden suggest that dog ownership is associated with a 24% lower mortality rate compared with not owning a dog.

But why is this the case? There are several reasons. Firstly, pets can help us remain more active – after all, who can say no to a walk in the park with a dog? They can also improve our mental health and help us form social connections.

There is even evidence that pets may contribute to healthier ageing. Older people who own a pet appear to tend to be healthier than those without an animal companion.

Another study found that dog ownership is associated with improved heart health, which is particularly important given that heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Key finding: According to a cohort study by Uppsala University, dog ownership is associated with a 24% lower mortality rate (Mubanga et al., 2017).

You can read about how social bonds generally influence life expectancy in our article Love as a longevity hack.

How do I know whether a pet suits my lifestyle?

When choosing a pet, it is important to consider not only which animal you would like, but also whether your lifestyle meets the animal’s needs. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

• How much time do you have available? Some pets, such as dogs, require a great deal of attention and care. They need daily exercise, training and socialisation. Other animals, such as fish or reptiles, require less interaction, but their environment must be maintained carefully. If you have a busy schedule, a less demanding pet may be more suitable.
• How much space do you have? Large dogs need plenty of room to move, while smaller animals such as hamsters or fish can also do well in smaller homes.
• What is your activity level? If you are an active person, an energetic dog may suit you well. If you are less active, a cat or smaller pet may be a better fit.
• Do you have allergies? Some people are allergic to certain animals. Make sure that neither you nor your family members are allergic to the animal you are considering.
• Are you ready for a long-term commitment? Some pets, particularly dogs and cats, can live for many years or even decades. You must be prepared to care for your pet throughout its entire lifespan.

Note: If you feel that you may not be able to fully meet the demands and needs of a pet, please do not acquire one. Please also conduct thorough research and speak with an animal expert before giving an animal a new home.

Conclusion

After examining the role of animals as therapeutic companions in detail, it is clear that they are far more than pets. They provide emotional support, reduce stress and make a major contribution to our general mental and, in many cases, physical health. Scientific evidence supports the benefits animals offer us – they can genuinely reduce our stress and may even help us live longer.

However, it is important to mention that not all animals are equally suited to being therapeutic companions. Every animal has its own personality and specific needs. It is therefore essential to find the right animal for your own lifestyle. Ultimately, the connection between humans and animals is a deep and meaningful relationship that benefits both the animal and the person.

You can find further approaches for reducing everyday stress in a targeted way in our article Reducing stress with nutrition, meditation and vital nutrients.

Sources

1. Pali-Schöll I, Dale R, Virányi Z. Hunde zu Hause und am Arbeitsplatz: Effekte auf Allergien und psychische Gesundheit. Springer Nature. 2023. link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s15007-023-5765-0
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3. Mubanga M, et al. Dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death – a nationwide cohort study. Artikel. 2017. nature.com/articles/s41598-017-16118-6
4. Mubanga M. Dog Ownership and Survival After a Major Cardiovascular Event: A Register-Based Prospective Study. Artikel. 2019. ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005342
5. Kurtovic N. Lebensqualität bis ins hohe Alter durch den Einsatz von Tieren. Masterarbeit. 2019. monami.hs-mittweida.de
6. Having a dog can help your heart — literally. Harvard Medical School. 2015. health.harvard.edu