The benefits we experience when pets are in close proximity to us are really not recognized fully by most of us. There is a powerful human-animal connection that is only now being fully recognized.
There have been many workshops held on the benefits of owning pets. There were just a few scientific papers available on the subject a few years ago, though snow studies have revealed that pets boost survival rates for coronary care unit patients. That was an eye-opening finding.
People have known the healing effect for centuries, but recently new data on the role of chemistry in the relationship has been revealed.
When a person interacts with a pet, the central nervous system releases several hormones that cause feelings of pleasure. One hormone in particular, oxytocin, seems to play a major role in reinforcing this bond.
The hormone creates a sense of warmth, nurturing and calm. Simply petting dogs releases the same chemical in both humans and the animals! Researchers know this with certainty, but are not clear as to how two species can produce feelings of peace, closeness and contentment in each other.
What is clear is the fact that this bonding is very helpful in managing stress of almost any kind.
Animals (particularly dogs) give unconditional love. It doesn’t matter if the owner yells, or is unkempt, or even doesn’t offer the best care to the animal. All the animal wants is love and approval by their owner. They accept their owners and companions without qualification. An animal’s acceptance
is nonjudgmental and forgiving. They don’t play psychological games people sometimes play. They accept you the way you are.
Pet ownership particularly helps children to learn to read body language. The experiences children have with their pets later develop into relationships with people, and actually helps develop more empathy for others.
Children who are fortunate to have a pet learn nurturing skills, and the responsibilities that come with it. They also have in store for them lots of fun to share with a new pet.
Over eons it is well established that touch is very important for the nourishment for our spirits and minds. Sometimes people who have been neglected find it difficult to accept touch from other humans. The relationship with animals, simply the act of petting a dog, can create feelings of security and warmth; feelings of love without demands humans often desire.
In cases like these, having an animal to hold, hug, and touch can make a world of difference to people who would otherwise have no positive, appropriate physical contact.
Astounding cases of pet heroism and loving acts prove that the interaction between pets and humans, even just passing contacts, are healing and worthy of categorizing as important relationships in the management of stress.
Find ot for yourself and consider, if you don’t own a pet, possibly adopting one for yourself and your family. More fun and less expensive than therapy, pet ownership can truly be a healing factor in your life.
