Benefits of Pet Ownership During the Coronavirus Quarantine

Your pet brings so much to your life—happiness, joy, and unwavering devotion. The mental benefits of pet ownership are even more valuable during such stressful times as a global pandemic, especially during a quarantine situation when you have little contact with the outside world. As communities worldwide shut down to practice social distancing and prevent the spread of disease, you and your pet may be going a little stir crazy stuck in your home all day. Fortunately, you can still rely on each other for companionship and entertainment, even during such uncertain times.

Pets fulfill a need to confide in or talk to someone trusted, which is even more important during the COVID-19 quarantine. Loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for depression and can increase the risk of heart disease, arthritis, Type II diabetes, and dementia. Pet ownership can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness as evidenced by the following study. 

A nationally representative survey of pet owners and non-pet owners commissioned by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare found that:

• 85% of respondents agree interaction with pets can help reduce loneliness 
• 76% agree human-pet interactions can help address social isolation 
• 72% believe human-animal interaction is good for their community 
• 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely 

• Reduce stress — After a tough day attempting to teach your kids common core math or trying to participate in a critical conference call with three fighting children in the background, hug your pet. You’ll feel all the stress of juggling working from home, masquerading as your children’s teacher, worrying about the health of your family members in high-risk areas, and rationing toilet paper melt away. Simply spending time near your pet reduces your stress level, and actively petting your pet further eliminates feelings of stress and anxiety. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing a cute furry head pop into your webcam during a Zoom call? People have cited the hilarity that ensues during a conference call when one barking dog sets off a chain reaction for each employee’s dog on the call. Nothing alleviates tension, worry, and stress better than our furry friends.
  
  
• Improve fitness — Although a quarantine situation seems like the perfect time to be a couch potato and catch up on all those Netflix series you want to watch, lounging around day and night is not good for your health and well-being. Your active puppy likely won’t let you laze much anyway. To release mood-boosting endorphins for you and your pet, implement a daily exercise routine, even if it’s based in your living room. A list of indoor activities designed to get you and your pet up and moving is outlined below. 
  
  
• Decrease blood pressure — Studies have shown that pet owners have demonstrated a lower blood pressure reading in stressful situations when compared to non-pet owners. We are currently living in highly stressful times, worrying about when the Coronavirus pandemic will flatten out, and the health and well-being of our loved ones. Being under constant stress and worry can elevate your blood pressure, but playing with and caring for your pet will help take your mind off the state of the world. 
  
  
• Increase serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels — There was a recent study in the journal Science that shows that oxytocin levels are boosted in both the dog and the person when a dog owner stares into the eyes of the dog. Petting your furry friend releases “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, all of which offer a mood boost and promote social bonding, qualities that are even more important during times of pandemic-induced anxiety and isolation.
  
  
• Create a tight-knit bond — While we form close bonds with human family and friends, many people, particularly younger generations, state they feel even closer to their pets. Some people even claim to love their pet more than their partner, since pets never hold grudges and are always thrilled to see you. Unwavering devotion and unending affection truly make your pet your best friend, which is necessary now more than ever. To be able to count on the never-ending happiness of your pet to lift you up in these troubling times is truly a blessing of pet ownership. 

https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/benefits-of-pet-ownership-during-coronavirus-quarantine/