Animal therapists: How pets help us reduce stress and live healthier lives

The bond between humans and animals is as old as time itself. Our pets are more than just loyal companions or best friends – they give our lives meaning, bring routine and help us to be more balanced. New research shows that animals can actually help reduce our stress and even extend our lifespan.

In this article, we want to take a closer look at how animals can help as therapeutic companions and what impact pets have on the mental health of their owners. It is generally known that pets can have a calming effect on people and often serve as emotional support. But how exactly does this work? What scientific evidence is there for this? And which animals are particularly suitable as therapeutic companions? These and other questions will be explored in detail in this article.

Can animals make you happy?

Of course animals can make us happy! The emotional bond we can form with animals leads to a sense of contentment and happiness. Whether it’s the joyful wag of your dog’s tail when you come home or the gentle purr of your cat as it lies on your lap, these small moments are often associated with a sense of contentment and happiness.

But it’s not just about the emotional moments. There’s actually a scientific side to it too. Did you know that our bodies release 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!

However, oxytocin is more than just a hormone. It plays a crucial role in forming social bonds, building trust and developing affection.

What’s more, oxytocin is also a real stress killer! In stressful situations, it can calm our bodies and help us feel more relaxed. This is also one of the reasons why animals are often used in therapies – their presence can help our bodies produce more oxytocin and make us feel more relaxed. Now the question arises: can we really “pet” our stress away? Well, we will explore this question in more detail below.

How can pets help us to improve our health?

In recent years, science has provided more and more evidence that pets can play an important role in promoting our mental and physical health. From lowering blood pressure to improving social behavior, the therapeutic benefits of pets are increasingly recognized and appreciated.

For example, mental health professionals are increasingly using animals in therapy to help patients cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

Especially in childhood, interaction with animals can strengthen the immune system. The variety of microbes that animals bring into our environment challenges our immune system and helps to strengthen it. This ultimately improves our body’s ability to successfully fight off illness and can be helpful in the long term.

Why does petting pets help relieve stress? A look at the endorphins

Petting pets is more than just a loving gesture – it is actually an effective way of reducing stress. But why is that? The answer lies in the biochemical reactions that take place in our bodies when we stroke an animal.

Endorphins, often referred to as “happiness hormones”, play an important role here. These neurotransmitters are released when animals are stroked and can help to create feelings of happiness and contentment. They have a pain-relieving and calming effect, which helps to relax and reduce stress.

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

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

In addition, studies have shown that pets can also help to reduce stress on 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 help reduce stress.

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, especially when there is a close bond between the animal and the human.

But remember: not all animals enjoy being stroked and touched in the same way. Some may find touching intrusive. It is therefore important to respect their signals and give them the space they need. After all, it’s ultimately about building a loving and respectful relationship with our animal friends.

Which animal species can help to improve our health?

Each animal has its own unique strengths. Dogs, for example, are known for their ability to relieve stress and promote general well-being. They help us to feel loved and needed, which increases our general well-being. But that’s not all! Dogs require regular exercise, which means we need to walk, play and exercise with them. This helps us to stay active and burn calories, which in turn helps to maintain a healthy weight. So, your four-legged friend could actually be your personal fitness trainer!

Info: Our four-legged friends have a legal right to regular walks according to the Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance! The law states that an adult dog should be walked at least twice a day.

Contact with cats can also lower stress hormone levels and promote a feeling of calm and relaxation. Petting a cat triggers a relaxation response that can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels. It can even help with depression. Being in the company of a cat can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. They can create a safe, comforting space and are often a good companion for people suffering from anxiety.

And it’s not just cats that offer wonderful benefits. Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs can be great pets for children as they teach them to take responsibility and care lovingly for someone else. Birds, with their cheerful songs and bright colors, also bring joy and relaxation into our lives.

Even more exotic animals like snakes or lizards can have therapeutic benefits – they pique our interest and offer a unique way of interacting. It really is amazing what animals can do for us!

Reducing stress in the office with Mavi: our feel-good manager on four paws

At our longevity startup neotes, Mavi, an Alaskan Klee Kai, is an integral part of our team. As our feel-good manager, as we call him, he not only contributes to a positive working atmosphere, but also underlines our corporate philosophy, which is focused on longevity and well-being.

Mavi reminds us every day that stress relief and happiness are essential elements for a long and healthy life. Whether he’s greeting us with his tail wagging or motivating us to go for a walk in bad weather, Mavi definitely helps to put a smile on the team’s faces.

For which clinical pictures can animal-assisted interventions be helpful?

Animal-assisted interventions have been shown to help with a wide range of medical conditions, and they go a long way to improving the quality of life of those affected. Whether they are specially trained therapy or assistance animals that have amazing effects on their owners, or simply the loving presence of a pet, they can all help to alleviate the symptoms of many illnesses.

Animal-assisted therapy has proven to be particularly valuable for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, burnout, depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Assistance dogs and other animals can help to alleviate the limitations caused by these conditions and make a life worth living possible.

Another area where animal-assisted interventions can make a significant difference is in the treatment of addictions. Caring for an animal can provide structure and distraction from addiction-related thoughts and behaviors. In addition, being responsible for a pet can encourage motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

One study has even shown that the close relationship between drug addicts and their dogs can be used to facilitate withdrawal and support the healing process. Animal-assisted therapies, such as the integration of pets in addiction clinics, can complement the rehabilitation process and help patients to regain themselves mentally and physically.

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

The presence of a pet can convey feelings of calm and security and alleviate stress and anxiety. Animals are non-judgmental and accept people unconditionally, which can boost self-esteem and build trust.

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

Animal-assisted interventions can be a valuable complementary therapy for children and adolescents with cancer. They can help to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the disease and its treatment. Overall, animal-assisted interventions offer a variety of benefits for people with different medical conditions. They can improve both physical and mental health and contribute to overall quality of life.

How do pets affect your own longevity?

Various studies have shown that pet owners, especially dog owners, can have a longer life expectancy. The results of a study by Uppsala University in Sweden suggest that owning a dog is associated with a 24% lower mortality rate compared to non-dog owners.

But why is that? Well, there are several reasons. For one, pets can help us be more active – who can say no to a walk in the park with the dog? They can also improve our mental health and help us to socialize.

There is even evidence that pets can contribute to a healthier ageing process. Older people who have a pet seem to tend to be healthier than those without an animal companion.

Another study has found that owning a dog is associated with improved heart health, which is particularly significant given that heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

How do I know if a pet suits my lifestyle?

When choosing a pet, it’s important to consider not only the animal you want, but also that your lifestyle fits the animal’s needs. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

• How much time do you have available? Some pets, like dogs, need a lot of attention and care. They need daily exercise, training and socialization. Other animals, such as fish or reptiles, require less interaction, but their environment needs to be carefully maintained. If you have a busy schedule, a less demanding pet might be more suitable.
• How much space do you have? Large dogs need plenty of room to move around, while smaller animals such as hamsters or fish can do well in smaller homes.
• What is your activity level? If you are an active person, an energetic dog might suit you well. If you are less active, a cat or smaller pet might be a better fit.
• Do you have allergies? Some people are allergic to certain animals. Make sure that you and your family members are not allergic to the animal you are considering.
• Are you ready for a long-term commitment? Some pets, especially dogs and cats, can live for many years even decades. You need to be ready to commit to caring for your pet for its entire lifespan.

Note: Please note, if you feel you cannot fully meet the requirements and needs of a pet of your own, do not get one. Please also carry out thorough research and speak to an animal expert before giving an animal a new home.

Conclusion

After taking a closer look at the role of animals as therapeutic companions, it is clear that they are far more than just our pets. They are emotional pillars, stress relievers and contribute significantly to our overall mental and, in many cases, physical health. Scientific evidence backs up the benefits that animals have for us humans – they can actually reduce our stress and even help us live longer.

However, it is important to note that not all animals are equally suitable as therapeutic companions. Each animal has its own personality and special needs. It is therefore crucial 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 human.

Sources:

• Isabella Pali-Schöll, Rachel Dale, Zsófia Virányi. Dogs at home and at work: effects on allergies and mental health. Springer Nature. 2023.
• Cora Tews. Survey: Use of animals in palliative care units and inpatient hospices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and prospective clinical study to test the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) to improve the well-being of palliative care patients. Dissertation. 2016.
• Mwenya Mubanga et al. Dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death – a nationwide cohort study. Article. 2017.
• Mwenya Mubanga. Dog Ownership and Survival After a Major Cardiovascular Event: A Register-Based Prospective Study. Article. 2019.
• Nicole Kurtovic. Quality of life into old age through the use of animals. Master’s thesis. 2019.
• Having a dog can help your heart – literally. Harvard Medical School. 2015.