Pets and Your Mental Health

You may consider your pet to be a part of your family, but pets may even benefit you beyond the love they give you on a daily basis. Pets can have many mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Pets can also increase your feelings of purpose and companionship. 

It’s natural to experience feelings of loneliness during cancer treatment. Having a pet can help you combat these feelings. Pets can provide comfort during the stress of cancer treatment. 

Companionship, as opposed to isolation and loneliness, can benefit your mental health. Caring for an animal can make you feel wanted, taking your mind away from your own problems. 

Pets can also provide a sense of relief when you are feeling down or upset about your treatment. You can never come home to an empty house if you are coming home to a furry friend. 

Not only are pet owners less likely to suffer from depression, but playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help calm and relax your body.

Pets can also help you keep your motivation to stay active during cancer treatment. Caring for a pet can encourage you to get up and move around more. This can be because of playing, walking, or feeding your pet. Having something to take care of can, in turn, help you take care of your own body.

If you already have a pet, give them some extra love and appreciation on National Love Your Pet Day! If you are considering adopting, talk to your doctor and see what the right decision is for you and your treatment.