Your Pet can be your Best Therapist Too …

Spending time with your pet can trigger an increased level of oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone.' This is responsible for the feeling of closeness and increased bonding with your pet. It can also increase your overall mood

Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or anything in between, pet ownership can be a very emotionally satisfying experience. Needless to say, a furry friend can always give you company when you are experiencing a phase of social isolation. Engagement with pets invariably keeps stress and anxiety at bay.

Now here is the irony. People who adopt an animal usually think that they're changing its life for the better. However research has proven that pets have just as much of a positive impact on the lives of their owners. If you're still on the fence about whether or not you should adopt a pet, here are some reasons why you need one in your life.

"Spending time with your pet can trigger an increased level of oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone.' This is responsible for the feeling of closeness and increased bonding with your pet. It can also increase your overall mood," says Raina Bhattacharya, a wellness counselor. Pets also help us to socialize with other human beings. "For instance your pet could be the perfect conversation starter for your next Zoom call," says Bhattacharya.

Ritu Goswami a dog owner agrees. "Dogs are naturally curious about their environment, including other dogs and people, and they can be the catalyst for social interactions. If you own a dog, you might find strangers approaching you to ask about them," she observes.

But other pets like cats can also increase your social circle. Studies and surveys conducted across housing complexes in the metros have actually demonstrated that pet owners were significantly more likely to get to know people in their neighbourhood than those who did not own a pet.

Pets can be a great way to increase your chances of finding love too. Yes you read this right. "Interestingly according to a recent survey nearly 54 percent of surveyed pet owners said their pets had helped them start a conversation with someone they were interested in," says Anchal Bedi who works as a psychological counselor in the United States. Elaborating on the results of the survey she says, "Nearly two thirds of people said that they were likely to date someone who owned a pet, and one in three would want to meet someone who has pictures of their pet in their online dating profile."

She further stated that according to research cited in a popular journal Psychology Today, couples who own a pet together have lower blood pressure and are happier on average than their peers. They also interact more with each other than couples who don't own a pet.

Some people believe that owning a dog or cat can make you a better person. "While counselling my patients I have found that nearly 90% of pet owners feel that their pets have turned them into better people. It is true because pets do increase patience levels and make people more affectionate," says Anchal.

Pets also make people more physically active. "Taking your dog for a walk also makes you more physically fit," concludes Bhattacharya.

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