Psychological Benefits of Pet Ownership During a Pandemic
Loneliness may be one of the hardest parts of social distancing during COVID-19 since people have limited access to co-workers, friends, or family. How can you feel connected when absent from your support system? One way is to enjoy the companionship of pets to avoid feelings of isolation which can elevate stress and weaken immunity. Research shows that pets, particularly cats and dogs can reduce emotional pressure, anxiety, and depression. A four-legged friend can benefit you in other ways. For instance, walking a dog encourage exercise, boosts cardiovascular health, stimulates muscles, gets you out into sunshine for a dose of vitamin D, gives you a chance to wave at the neighbors, all while encouraging owners to exercise which is another proven way to remove negative emotions. Studies have shown pet owners gain physically as well as emotionally. One experiment by the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction found people who walked their dogs five days per week lost almos...