It has been said “There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face” (Bernard Williams). Many of our clients have indicated a similar sentiment: that pets can make great companions for recovery. Interestingly there are many health benefits associated with owning pets. Fourteen benefits of pet ownership, for psychological and physical health, as demonstrated by research are:
- Better social skills & social connectedness
- Increased self esteem
- Increase empathy
- A more positive outlook on life
- Less lonliness, restlessness & boredom
- Less chance of suffering depression
- Better capacity to cope with grief, stress and loss
- Increased sense of safety
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Increase physical activity
- Reduced visit to the doctor
- Increased immunity
- Reduced illness
Do you agree in the power of pets for recovery? Are there other benefits that you have discovered?