Ishita Roy

Power Of Pets: Expert Explains The Science Behind Why Pets Make Us Happy

Power Of Pets: Science Behind Why Pets Make Us Happy

Having pets have helped people reduce their stress and anxiety levels

Totoro and Kanmani are all over Opal's phone gallery, and all over her mind too. But, in a good way. These feline companions make the 25-year-old Delhi-based animator happy. "I adopted these two kittens from a friend's cat litter and having these babies around me changed a lot of things," she says. Opal shares that she used to experience multiple breakdowns in a day, however, with her feline companions around, she is always in a happy mood. 

Mental health expert, Dr Dharmesh Shah, founder and director of Holistica World confirms that having pets can alleviate symptoms of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">depression</a> and anxiety. It also encourages the person to have a routine and responsibility. "The unconditional love and companionship of a pet provide emotional support, which can reduce stress and increase overall happiness," he says.

Scientifically, it has been also proven that interacting with pets can elevate serotonin and dopamine level- the neurotransmitters that promote calm and well-being. 

Dr Shah also says that the routine of caring for a pet can serve as a "distraction from negative thoughts." Rightly so, for Opal, she says that ever since she adopted the kittens, she did not have the time to cry and her breakdowns have become non-existent. 

Dr Shah confirms that caring for a pet enhances a person's sense of responsibility. "Pets require regular feeding, grooming, and exercise, which instils a sense of duty and foster reliability. The routine of pet care offers predictability, which can be comforting for individuals with anxiety or depression. Additionally, knowing that a pet relies on them can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment," he says. 

"I was not so confident before adopting them because most of the time I do not cook my meals. I am at the office all day. But cooking has become a routine after having them. I know that I have to make chicken, pumpkin, carrot and potato paste for them every week," Opal shares. The best part? Her kittens climb on the kitchen slab as she cooks.

Poornima, a 24-year-old student shares that she has three cats and having them have helped reduce her stress and anxiety levels. "I learnt about love and loss through them. They taught me companionship and love. I sometimes get scared to take any one of them to the vet because I know how fragile they are," she says. Having pets have made her more empathetic as she can now understand what hurts her cats despite their inability to express. 

"Pet ownership can significantly enhance empathy in individuals by fostering emotional sensitivity and nurturing behaviour. The empathy extends beyond the pet-owner relationship," says Dr Shah. 

Pushpa Julka who works as an assistant design head at a national daily has a pet dog, she named her Rani. "Before I adopted her, I never thought my life would revolve around her. She is now my daughter and she taught me what does it mean to be a responsible parent," she says. 

Julka has also learnt the lesson of empathy and patience. She looks at Rani's eyes and she knows when she needs her time, her love, care and "of course, food." She is now also attached to strays. "Now when I see any animal in pain, I can feel their suffering and try to help them as much as I can," she shares. 

Pet ownership can lead to a better physical health, notes Dr Shah. Dog owners are more likely to engage in regular exercise due to the need for daily walks, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health. 

Furthermore, regular interaction with pets has been linked to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. "Moreover, pet ownership can promote healthier ageing, as pets provide emotional support that helps combat loneliness, particularly in elderly," says Dr Shah. 

There are many thing that one learns when they have a pet, notes Julka. Many of which also benefits the one who adopts the pets. "Having a pet teaches you many things, makes you a better person and helps you in life. Some of it can be expressed, while much of it can only be felt," she says.

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Totoro and Kanmani are all over Opal's phone gallery, and all over her mind too. But, in a good way. These feline companions make the 25-year-old Delhi-based animator happy. "I adopted these two kittens from a friend's cat litter and having these babies around me changed a lot of things," she says. Opal shares that she used to experience multiple breakdowns in a day, however, with her feline companions around, she is always in a happy mood. Mental health expert, Dr Dharmesh Shah, founder and director of Holistica World confirms that having pets can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also encourages the person to have a routine and responsibility. "The unconditional love and companionship of a pet provide emotional support, which can reduce stress and increase overall happiness," he says. Scientifically, it has been also proven that interacting with pets can elevate serotonin and dopamine level- the neurotransmitters that promote calm and well-being. Dr Shah also says that the routine of caring for a pet can serve as a "distraction from negative thoughts." Rightly so, for Opal, she says that ever since she adopted the kittens, she did not have the time to cry and her breakdowns have become non-existent. Fur Babies Can Change A PersonDr Shah confirms that caring for a pet enhances a person's sense of responsibility. "Pets require regular feeding, grooming, and exercise, which instils a sense of duty and foster reliability. The routine of pet care offers predictability, which can be comforting for individuals with anxiety or depression. Additionally, knowing that a pet relies on them can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment," he says. "I was not so confident before adopting them because most of the time I do not cook my meals. I am at the office all day. But cooking has become a routine after having them. I know that I have to make chicken, pumpkin, carrot and potato paste for them every week," Opal shares. The best part? Her kittens climb on the kitchen slab as she cooks.Poornima, a 24-year-old student shares that she has three cats and having them have helped reduce her stress and anxiety levels. "I learnt about love and loss through them. They taught me companionship and love. I sometimes get scared to take any one of them to the vet because I know how fragile they are," she says. Having pets have made her more empathetic as she can now understand what hurts her cats despite their inability to express. "Pet ownership can significantly enhance empathy in individuals by fostering emotional sensitivity and nurturing behaviour. The empathy extends beyond the pet-owner relationship," says Dr Shah. Pushpa Julka who works as an assistant design head at a national daily has a pet dog, she named her Rani. "Before I adopted her, I never thought my life would revolve around her. She is now my daughter and she taught me what does it mean to be a responsible parent," she says. Julka has also learnt the lesson of empathy and patience. She looks at Rani's eyes and she knows when she needs her time, her love, care and "of course, food." She is now also attached to strays. "Now when I see any animal in pain, I can feel their suffering and try to help them as much as I can," she shares. How Can Pets Make You Healthy?Pet ownership can lead to a better physical health, notes Dr Shah. Dog owners are more likely to engage in regular exercise due to the need for daily walks, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health. Furthermore, regular interaction with pets has been linked to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. "Moreover, pet ownership can promote healthier ageing, as pets provide emotional support that helps combat loneliness, particularly in elderly," says Dr Shah. There are many thing that one learns when they have a pet, notes Julka. Many of which also benefits the one who adopts the pets. "Having a pet teaches you many things, makes you a better person and helps you in life. Some of it can be expressed, while much of it can only be felt," she says.