Pets and Mental Health: How They Help Us Beat the Holiday Blues
The holiday season is a time for joyful celebrations with family and friends, but for some people, it can create feelings of loneliness or trigger anxiety due to the stress of increased spending. Whatever the reason, the holidays can be challenging, but pets can have a positive impact on the mental health of their favorite people—and there is scientific evidence to back it up.
At Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, we celebrate the human-animal bond and all the ways in which pets enhance our lives. Whether you already have a fur baby (or two!) or you’re considering pet adoption during the holidays, read on to learn more about pets and mental health benefits.
Pets and Mental Health
The science behind our pets and holiday stress reduction is undeniable. Being a pet parent provides emotional, mental, and physical benefits, and here are five fabulous reasons why:
- Puppy Love is the Best Medicine
- The act of looking into a pet’s eyes triggers the release of oxytocin, otherwise known as the “love hormone.” This particular hormone can ease feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Cuddling with pets also reduces cortisol production, which lowers our stress response.
- Petting or brushing a pet can lower blood pressure and boost the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin, both of which induce feelings of positivity.
- They Need Us as Much as We Need Them
Pets need TLC every day, and that shifts our focus away from our own needs. Feeding, caring for and cleaning up after another living thing give us a sense of purpose.
- Their Love is All Around Us
Pets love unconditionally, provide a steady stream of pure enjoyment, and let’s face it, it’s hard to feel lonely when being smothered in puppy dog kisses.
- They Make Us Move
More exercise equals less stress, and nothing inspires people to move like keeping pets entertained. This holiday season, find new ways to move with your pet. Treat your dog to a winter hike, create an obstacle course in the snow, or play hide-and-seek the treats with your pets.
- Pets and Seasonal Depression
When the days get shorter, it disrupts our circadian rhythm, which can cause a dip in energy and trigger hormonal changes that make us moody. Having a pet can keep us motivated to get outside as much as possible, even when Jack Frost is nipping at our noses.
Pets and Holiday Stress
If there’s one thing about the holidays we don’t need to stress about, it’s knowing that our pets are always ready to provide us with comfort and affection. From all of us at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, we wish you and your pets a happy and safe holiday season. Please contact us if it’s time for your pet’s checkup.