{"id":985,"date":"2023-01-17T21:36:29","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T21:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=985"},"modified":"2023-09-20T15:22:55","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:22:55","slug":"pets-and-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/pets-and-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The mental health benefits of owning a pet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pets and mental health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pets and mental health go together like a sunny day and a walk in the park. Scientific studies confirm that pets improve your health. In addition to the physical health benefits of owning a dog<\/a> or other active animals, pets are good for the mind, heart, and soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking care of pets can help you forget your troubles for a while. An affectionate pet can be there for you when family <\/a>and friends are physically or emotionally distant. Pets don\u2019t judge or hold grudges and they\u2019ll jump for joy at your return, even if you\u2019ve only been gone a little while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) cites studies showing that interacting with animals improves mental health. Pets keep us active and involved in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also teach children about responsible routines, service, and empathy. They get kids and adults off the couch and out of their comfort zones. An American Kennel Club (AKC) survey of 2,000 dog owners found that nearly half made new friends while walking their dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s creatures, great and small<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“So don\u2019t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
<\/em>[Matthew 10:31, NIV<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pets can be as slow as turtles, as fast as ferrets, as curious as cats, and as loyal as dogs. God cares for all His creatures (Matthew 10:29-31<\/a>) \u2013 even the tiniest sparrow \u2013 and we know we should cast our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7<\/a>). But when life brings hardships and trials (2 Timothy 4:5<\/a>), adversity, and discipline (Hebrews 12:11<\/a>), it\u2019s often difficult to trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever the trial, God strengthens and upholds us through it all with His victorious hand (Isaiah 41:10<\/a>). We\u2019re also called to look out for each other\u2019s interests (Philippians 2:4<\/a>). Christian fellowship, service, and prayer support help us throughout life\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of God\u2019s richly diverse creation, pets can play a part in lightening emotional, psychological, and spiritual burdens. Pets offer spontaneity and love that make life\u2019s journey a little easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scientific proof that pets support your mental health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of dogs and mental health as well as other animals are well established. Studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) support the mental health benefits of pet ownership and animal interaction, including service dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NIH researchers have studied pets ranging from fish to dogs and other animals, including horses. They evaluated the effects of human-animal interaction using standardized measures of mental health, including the American Psychological Association\u2019s Beck Depression Inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Results for children and adults showed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n