Can a Pet Help Improve Depression?

Are you an animal person, or have you considered owning an animal? Have you ever considered that animal ownership could be a valuable part of your mental health care and improve your overall mental and emotional well-being? If you talk with any passionate pet owner, most will tell you that they firmly believe in the benefit and value of their human-pet relationship. Today we were going to take some time to explore the potential benefits of pet ownership for those who struggle with depression and take the time to consider if pet ownership could be a viable option for long-term depression management. 

For many years, researchers have supported the conclusion that the companionship associated with animals is a viable and effective tool in managing isolation and increasing connection, which are key parts of depression treatment (1).
Especially for those who may live alone, work from home or live more seceded life styles, dog ownership specifically has been noted to protect against isolation and feelings of loneliness (2).

So how does pet ownership help to combat depression and its symptoms? That’s what we’re going to take the time to explore more today. 

Increase healthy routine. 

Many people report that one of the most significant symptoms they experienced during a depressive episode is neglecting basic routines including eating, hygiene, sleeping, and other day-to-day tasks. pet owners, whether they feel like it or not, are tasked with some level of consistency in the maintenance and care of their animals. Dogs typically like to eat 1 to 2 times a day, need to go to the bathroom at a certain frequency, and require basic daily maintenance.

A similar statement could be made for almost any domesticated animal that one might find in their home. The consistency of these needs for animal care has been noted to increase overall routine and consistency for those who are struggling with depression and combat some of the intensities of depressive lows.

Increase activity and daily movement. 

Movement and exercise have long been discussed as important aspects of depression management. and owning a pet, specifically, a dog may help with this aspect of healthy routine building. And the research agrees. Dog owners have been reported to walk more and have increased physical activity compared to non-dog owners (3). 
So, the daily needs of a dog, may offer great accountability for other daily habits for quality depression management.

Decrease isolation and serve as a way to meet new people. 

Have you ever noticed that dog owners love to talk to other dog owners about their dogs? this fact may be extremely helpful when we think about combating depression, which is associated with isolation, withdrawal, and avoidance of normal day-to-day activities.  Dog ownership was noted in one study to be a catalyst for increasing social interactions (4).  

So if we think about social connection as an important part of depression management, having an animal may be incredibly helpful to some.

Increasing a sense of purpose and meaning. 

For some who struggle with depression, feelings of lack of purpose, lack of motivation, and general hopelessness are common symptoms. And individuals who own pets, tend to report increased feelings of purpose and meaning through their role as the caretaker of this animal. Even if you may be having a bad day, your pet needs you to make sure that their environment is safe and healthy and that they are cared for. This connection to purpose can be incredibly powerful. 

And one final thought. 

As a therapist who is also a pet owner, I am confident in the impact of human-animal relationships. But as a pet owner, I believe in the importance of ethical pet ownership. Choosing to invite an animal into your family  is a long commitment. If that commitment is not something that you are able to fully embrace in your current stage of life, that is OK! There are some other options for animal connection if you are not able to fully make the commitment of personal animal ownership. 

• Consider  becoming a foster with a local pet or animal rescue. Many animal rescues and non-profits are in need of short-term placements for animals as they wait to join forever homes. Fostering an animal in need, even if for a few weeks or months,  is a great way to explore the potential benefits of animal ownership, without fully committing to animal adoption. 

• Consider volunteering at your local Humane Society or shelter. Animals have a lot of love to give, and the oxytocin increase that occurs in animal interactions can be attained even in a short play session. 

• Consider pet sitting for a friend, neighbor,  or family member when they leave town. 

If you are interested in letting a trained therapist join your depression management team, our team is here to help. Whether though online therapy, or at our Arlington, TX based therapy group, we have options to meet your needs.