The unique benefits of the animal human bond

According to research conducted by the Animal Medicines Authority, Australia’s pet population increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no denying the importance of animals in our lives. But what makes this relationship so special?

Humans have been living with domestic animals for thousands of years. Unsurprisingly, dogs are our most ancient companions, thought to have been by our sides for up to 100,000 years, and our feline overlords have been served by us for at least 9,000 years! During the COVID-19 pandemic, pet ownership in Australia increased from 61% in 2019 to 69% in 2021.

The rise of remote working or the social impact of the pandemic may have contributed to this trend, with studies showing that pets have a significant role in our lives during times of uncertainty. Listen to our webinar ‘Pets the best form of therapy’

Touching our hearts: Cardiovascular health

The impact of animal companions on cardiovascular health was first recognised in the early 1980s. A recent meta-analysis showed that dog ownership appears to have the remarkable effect of reducing risk of cardiovascular death by 31%! Pets may help control and prevent high blood pressure (hypertension) as well as improve the prognosis of patients after strokes and myocardial infarction. Overall, dog ownership has even been associated with a lower risk of death potentially due to improved cardiovascular health.

Mental health impacts

It’s said that Sigmund Freud had a Chow Chow called Jofi who frequently sat in on therapy sessions. Jofi provided comfort for the infamous neurologist and psychoanalyst, as well as his patients. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is used in a wide range of therapeutic and institutional settings today.

During the pandemic, the benefits of pets to mental health were even more apparent, with reports of
pets helping people combat loneliness and provide them with a sense of purpose. Walking dogs also
creates opportunities for new human-to-human social interactions which can be observed in any busy dog park. Although there is still more research to be done in the area, there are some studies that suggest that pet owners may be less depressed than people who don’t have a pet, especially when they have suffered a loss, such as that of a significant other.

Children and pets

Pets are often viewed as a part of growing up in Australia and families with children make up a large
portion of pet owners. More than being a simple playmate and confidante, children with pets can gain a sense of responsibility and confidence through caring for their pets. Children with pets earlier in life may even have better emotional expression later in life.

Research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that children with very strong attachments to pets are often likely to have higher levels of empathy, the flip side of which can be that these children may have a higher risk of anxiety. In some cases, pets may even replace children as an outlet for human nurturing instincts. Increasingly, pets are considered to be valued members of the family.

Pets and the elderly

The role of pets in the lives of the elderly is particularly significant. Having a role in caring for a pet may even help those with dementia through increased activity through walks, better cognitive function, and being less depressed than those with no role in caring for a pet. During the pandemic lockdowns, social and emotional connections were limited, especially for the elderly, and the positive impacts of having a companion pet during that difficult time have been reported. Touch is another important benefit of pets for everyone, but especially for the elderly during the pandemic, when physical distancing was imposed. Cuddling and patting pets provides comfort and enhances wellbeing. What makes it even better, is if our pets demand a pat or cuddle.

Pets and the homeless

Homelessness is a serious issue that faces a growing number of Australians. Mental illness, domestic violence and housing affordability are just some of the reasons for the increased numbers of people
without suitable homes. It is possible that up to 8% of Australians are homeless. Isolation and mental illness are impacted by homelessness, two factors that can be influenced positively in those who have pets. Pets may provide people with a sense of purpose as well as decrease loneliness and depression. Being homeless and having pets isn’t without its challenges however, and pets can become a barrier to finding accommodation and accessing transport. A University of Melbourne report found that homeless Australians only have 14 meals a week. A pet is another mouth to feed which can cause additional stress to the homeless with pets. Access to veterinary care can also cause a challenge where there is limited income and access to transport.

We owe them everything

While insights and information about the complex and wonderful relationships we have with our pets
continue to grow, one thing we can safely say is that pets enrich our lives in more ways than one. Our pets are completely vulnerable and dependent on us for everything from shelter, nutrition, entertainment, mental stimulation, veterinary care, safety and love. While they love us unconditionally and provide us boundless joy, we owe them the very best in care. We have a lot to learn from our pets and through better understanding, we can help create a better world for both pets and people.

Corey and Gordy – Albury NSW

Since having Gordy (our Smart Pup) in our home now for 3 years, he has changed Corey and our family’s life all for the better. Over the years Gordy has helped Corey to sleep in his own room all night, he assists Corey in all his therapy sessions, helps him to concentrate and focus on things without getting bored. Corey’s entire nature has changed, he is now caring and a dream to be around, I do not get physically or verbally abused anymore, he does not damage the house or have meltdowns, that has all completely stopped! He actually cuddles me all the time and tells me he loves me – this never happened before Gordy was in our home. Corey has also gotten himself a weekend job at the can recycling centre, he loves working there. Corey is a different kid, and we are so grateful for having Gordy come into our lives. He has changed the entire dynamics within our family.

References:

*Animal Medicines Authority (AMA) report, 2022

Are Millennials really Picking Pets over People? Taking a Closer Look at Dog Ownership in Emerging Adulthood
Australian Homelessness Monitor 2022
Dog Ownership and Survival A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness
Clutton-Brock, J, 1987, A Natural History of Domesticated Animals, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press and British Museum (Natural History).
Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Food insecurity and homelessness in the Journeys Home survey
How Therapy Dogs Almost Never Came to Exist
Services and Interventions for People who are Homeless with Companion Animals (Pets): A Systemic Review Protocol
Parent and child mental health during COVID-19 in Australia: The role of pet attachment
Pet Ownership and the Risk of Arterial Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease
Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk