Co-author: Tan Ing Keet Faythe
Pets make excellent companions, and they can be beneficial for our physical and mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, animal welfare organizations in Singapore saw a significant increase in interest in adopting or fostering pets. Dr Pauline Sim, consultant psychiatrist from Mount Elizabeth Medical Center, says that the cut in social contact has caused people to feel isolated, resulting in a growth of interest in pet ownership for companionship. People in Singapore are also very passionate when it comes to community cats and keeping cats as pets in their Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats, which led to The Animal & Veterinary Service Service (AVS) exploring the possibilities for cats to be allowed in HDB flats. Late last year, Singaporeans showed how community cats keep them going in a viral TikTok trend - these videos showed the neighborhood stray cats receiving pets and food from cat enthusiasts, along with an audio “I pet pet the cat, I happy already.”
Apart from pets and strays, animals also play a huge role in some forms of professional therapy interventions. Animal assisted therapy is an intervention which incorporates animals such as dogs and cats to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy. Therapy animals are chosen according to their temperament (i.e., well-behaved, quiet, and comfortable with strangers) and they go through specific training to ensure that they can interact safely and positively with people. Various studies have suggested that animal assisted therapy can decrease anxiety and improve quality of life for some, including those with chronic mental illnesses. Based on a variety of studies, children with autism spectrum disorder appears to be calmer when therapy animals are around. They may find it easier to develop an emotional bond with animals which can help social and communication skills with other people. Additionally, the presence of dogs help children with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) focus better in class and increased sharing, cooperation, and volunteering. Animal therapy professionals say that developing a bond with an animal can help people develop a sense of self-worth and trust, stabilize their emotions, and improve their socialization skills. The benefits that animals have on an individual’s mental health will be further explored below.
There are many ways in which animals can improve one’s mental health:
Pets can help alleviate loneliness. Interactions with pets can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Pets can take the focus off any negativity or struggles one is currently facing. Most pets require a routine of cleaning, feeding, and exercise. Caring for another being could give one a purpose, as their focus would shift from their current struggles to the responsibility of being a pet owner. Interestingly, a study showed that teens were able to better manage their type 1 diabetes when caregiving duties are paired with monitoring their blood glucose levels. Thus, by caring for the pet, it can also help one with their own care routine.
Interactions with pets can help reduce stress. Studies have found that interacting with animals or even tactile stimulation from petting a dog has shown to decrease cortisol levels (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure.
Having a pet can promote exercising and socialization. A study conducted in Singapore found that pet owners engaged in more mild-intensity physical activity than non-pet owners. Pet attachment correlates with greater physical activity levels and better mental health scores. With a pet, there are also more opportunities for social interaction which increases the level of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone.
While pets can have a positive impact on one’s mental and physical health, getting a pet should not be seen as a “quick fix”. Having a pet is a lifetime commitment, and potential pet owners should think of the long term as well as read up about the animal, lifespan, and extent of care required.
Interesting read