Four-legged doctors: how dogs and cats heal our psyche

Looking for a happiness recipe without side effects? American scientists have discovered that 86% of pet owners report mostly positive impact of pets on mental health. And it's not just subjective feelings — over the past decade, researchers from the National Institutes of Health in the USA, Mayo Clinic and leading universities around the world have studied how our furry, feathered and scaly friends become true psychotherapists.

Main takeaways from the article:

• 86% of pet owners notice a positive impact of pets on mental health;
• Interaction with animals raises oxytocin levels and lowers cortisol — the stress hormone;
• 69% of owners say pets help reduce stress and anxiety;
• Dogs motivate physical activity: 60% of dog owners meet the recommended exercise guidelines;
• Fish help teenagers with diabetes better control blood sugar levels;
• Cats are especially effective for people with autism due to their calm temperament.

The chemistry of happiness: how the pet effect works

The secret behind animals' healing power lies in our biochemistry. A study by the University of Georgia and the Institute for Human-Animal Bond showed that when interacting with pets, remarkable changes occur in human physiology.

Oxytocin — the 'hug hormone' — significantly increases in both people and their pets. Endorphins and prolactin (the care hormone) are also produced, while cortisol — the main stress hormone — decreases. This explains why simply petting a cat or playing with a dog instantly improves mood.

Dr. Ann Berger from the National Institutes of Health explains: 'Dogs are very present-focused. If someone is going through difficulties, they know how to simply be there and give love. Their attention is entirely focused on the person.' Interestingly, animals possess qualities of mindfulness that people have to learn.

Dogs: personal trainers and antidepressants

Dog owners are the most physically active among all pet lovers. According to a Mayo Clinic study, more than 60% of dog owners meet the recommended weekly physical activity guidelines (150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous activity).

Regular walks with a dog reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, colorectal and breast cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes. Moreover, dog owners are less likely to be overweight and more likely to follow a healthy diet.

An Australian study of 71 people showed impressive results: those who adopted a dog saw significantly reduced loneliness levels after just three months, and this effect persisted throughout the eight-month study. Dogs also contributed to improved mood — regular bursts of joy from pet interaction accumulated into long-term wellbeing improvements.

Cats: calm healers for special needs

Cats show particular effectiveness in working with people who need calm support. The Feline Friends Study demonstrated that the quieter and calmer temperament of cats is especially beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders.

86% of cat owners report a positive impact on mental health, with cat owners more often than dog owners saying their pets provide companionship, create a calming presence and help reduce stress. Studies also showed that people who had a heart attack had better chances of recovery when accompanied by a cat.

Interesting fact: observing cats develops mindfulness. Learning to read feline body language — for example, understanding that tail wagging usually means irritation — teaches people to be more attentive to details and better interpret non-verbal cues.

Fish: unexpected helpers in treatment

At first glance, what can fish watching offer? Turns out, quite a lot. The National Institutes of Health funded a study on the effect of aquarium fish on teenagers with type 1 diabetes — and results exceeded expectations.

Teenagers who fed fish twice daily and monitored water conditions became more disciplined in checking their own blood glucose levels. Caring for fish served as an effective reminder to take care of one's health.

A similar effect was observed in Alzheimer’s patients: when patients ate in a room with an aquarium, they ate more, needed less additional nutrition and showed fewer behavioral problems linked to sundowning syndrome.

Simply watching swimming fish helps reduce muscle tension and slow the pulse — a natural form of meditation.

Birds: social catalysts for seniors

Birds are especially useful for elderly people, as they stimulate social interaction and help maintain mental sharpness. 72% of Americans have pets, with 4% choosing birds specifically.

Parrots and other talking birds create a sense of dialogue, which is particularly important for elderly people living alone. They require daily care that helps maintain a routine and sense of responsibility but don't need walks, making them ideal companions for those with limited mobility.

Exotic pets: from guinea pigs to lizards

Studies show benefits of less traditional pets too. Children with attention deficit disorder became calmer during 10-minute play sessions with guinea pigs in class — anxiety levels decreased and social interactions with classmates improved.

Even reptiles can become exotic companions for those seeking an unusual pet. Snakes, lizards and other reptiles require special care which can give owners a sense of expertise and uniqueness.

Rabbits are ideal for those allergic to cats and dogs but wanting a cuddly friend. They combine the gentleness of cats with playfulness, without requiring walks.

Important notes: pets are not a cure-all

Despite all proven benefits, scientists emphasize that pets aren't a universal remedy for mental health issues. A meta-analysis of 32 studies showed moderate positive effects on physical activity but a more complex impact on mental health, dependent on multiple factors.

It's important to consider the quality of the relationship with the animal, not just ownership. A study of 1693 British dog owners showed that mental health benefits are directly linked to the strength of emotional bonding between human and pet.

Also, owning a pet adds responsibility and stress. Some study participants noted financial burden, fatigue from care, and emotional experiences related to pet illnesses.

Who benefits most from animals

Research has identified groups of people who gain the greatest benefit from animal interaction:

• Elderly people living alone — animals reduce social isolation and provide structure to the day.
• People with serious mental health conditions — 67% of participants said they would like to have a pet for support during recovery.
• Children with special needs — classroom pets improve social skills and academic performance, reduce hyperactivity.
• People under stress — the presence of animals significantly lowers blood pressure in stressful situations.

Interestingly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, pet benefits were especially noticeable among people in relationships, whereas alone individuals did not receive such pronounced support from pets.

Pets cannot replace professional psychological help, but they can be a valuable addition to mental health care. The key is choosing a pet that fits your lifestyle and remembering: healthy relationships with animals require mutual care and responsibility. Ultimately, the best therapy is one that brings joy not only to you but also your four-legged, feathered or scaled psychotherapist.

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