The Human-Animal Bond

Humans and animals have been coexisting peacefully for an exceptionally long time now. They share a unique bond that is synergistic and has shown to mutually benefit both parties in a highly respectful manner. The emotional, psychological, physical factors entailed in the dynamic relationship shared by humans and animals together evolve and progress over time.

It has been proven through ample research and analyses that people who tend to keep pets are kinder, have lesser stress, are more playful, and show great tendencies of unconditional love. Animals can be great companions for humans for the better part of their lives. They impart a positive influence on the minds of people, which enables the progression of a humble, more loving, and happy society.

Not only do humans get many emotional, physical, and psychological benefits out of keeping pets, but these pets tend to receive a reciprocating amount of love, warmth, care, safety, and security from humans in return as well. Now, with advancements in emotional intelligence and with a better understanding of human and animal psychology, it is also possible to train animals to become service pets for people with disabilities. This has shown massive success and has helped deepen the human and animal bond greatly.

Out of the many crucial advantages of the human-animal bond, a few of them include:

Reduction of stress – A stress-related study has shown significant drops in the level of blood pressure and heart rate in people who own pets. Those who had uncontrolled blood pressures healed and recovered faster due to the severe decrease in stress which was associated with taking care of a pet. Pet owners also tend to report a reduction in physical symptoms such as pain as in many cases, pain is related to emotional disturbances.

A decrease in Depression – Pet ownership has also been linked to helping fight depression in people. People with pets tend to cope better with depression and many other psychological illnesses. This is also associated with an increase in the amount of laughter and peace achieved by spending quality time with pets. Positive symptoms of recovery and good progress have been noted more in people with pets rather than those who do not own any pets at all.

Reduction in Social Isolation and loneliness- Social support is mandatory for the healthy well-being of any individual. Pets are associated with helping loneliness and social isolation in people on a large scale. Interaction with pets and taking care of them, cuddling with them, feeding them and playing with them – all are part of emotional and physical routines that deeply connect and encourage a bond formation between animals and humans. People have reported having found a strong, motivational purpose and effective meaning in life by becoming pet owners, which has also greatly reduced the number of suicides being committed each year.

Increase in physical activity and fitness – With pets, people are bound to remain active, especially when it comes to owning dogs. Dogs need regular weekly exercise and playful activities, which benefit humans immensely. Dog walking is linked to improved physical fitness, the better building of stamina, and clearer mindset development. People who own dogs have reported that their physical activity per week has increased tremendously and this has led to a significant decrease in obesity amongst people and pets both.

Healing and Resiliency encouraged by pets – Due to decreased stress, improved physical activity, reduction in obesity, etc., studies have concluded that pet ownership leads to a strong decline in the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases. This, in turn, has reduced mortality rates as well. If people do have risk factors of cardiac disease, pet ownership has encouraged healing and the development of resiliency in such people.

The bond shared by humans and animals is often underestimated. The availability of service animals has made life a lot easier for people who have limitations and disabilities. These include physical, emotional, and psychological disabilities. The connection shared is powerful and helps the disabled person in feeling more positive and hopeful about life, despite the unchangeable limitations. This is mostly due to the humbly trained service animals that are of great help to such individuals.

Living with pets brings about constant companionship, affection, and love along with a great deal of happiness. The most important element is that of mental health improvement which is seen in family members whenever pets get adopted. Similarly, animals tend to develop depression too if they are neglected and have not been given adequate care, comfort, and love. Together, humans and animals benefit significantly in each other’s company rather than being alone and unhappy or depressed.

This bond has been neglected and undervalued severely. However, with more and more positive researches being published based on true potential stories, the awareness of the animal-human bond has been highlighted and brought forward, which is even more encouraging for people all around the world.