Pets Are The Best Medicine To Overcome Depression

Those who have pets at home know that when we feel sad, being with them improves our mood. Hugging our dog or cat is a wonderful therapy that can help us overcome depression, pain and anguish. Don’t think twice about using this “treatment”!

Pets and depression

The affection, support and loyalty that our pets offer us are enough to turn any gray episode in our life into a multicolored rainbow. The joy they express at seeing us arrive, the willingness they play with and the way they lick our face, is often all we need to make us feel better.

The benefits of having a pet are innumerable. One of them is the possibility of curing or reducing depression. Your dog or cat’s unconditional love is often more genuine than people’s. But it is not necessary to become a hermit or antisocial, just enjoy the company of animals to alleviate the pain.

According to some studies, animals have the ability to considerably reduce all types of negative feelings. Fatigue, stress, sadness, anguish, loneliness and depression go away, as if by magic, when we are around our pets.

The two classic companions from whom we can get this are the dog and the cat. It has been proven that when we stare at our dog, the brain produces more of the hormone oxytocin, known as the “happiness hormone”. Also, hearing the purr of a feline near us relieves anxiety and calms us down immediately.

How to choose a pet to overcome depression?

We already know that pets help people who suffer from depression (among other emotional problems). What we must take into account are the characteristics that this animal has to fulfill to become our friend, family member or therapist.

First, the dog or cat must be calm. This means that, for example, more “energetic” breeds like York Shire, Poodle and Boxer are not the best for this. But beware, because it also depends on the temperament and behavior of a particular animal. We must pay close attention to how his daily life is.

Second, it might be a good idea to acquire a pet that is past its puppy stage. This happens for several reasons: because an adult animal requires less attention than a young one and because we will already know more or less what its habits or behavior are. For elderly people with depression, a dog or cat over five years old would be perfect.

A dog is usually a better companion than a cat in these cases. Feline advocates don’t need to be nervous about this, but they do need to understand that if the owner feels depressed or sad, he or she will need a pet that “takes” pets at any time of the day. Cats are usually more independent and prefer to be alone. Furthermore, dogs require more attention: just taking them for a walk makes us put aside our sadness.

After all, having a pet helps us to overcome depression due to…

Another advice would be to adopt a stray dog. Why? Because there isn’t a more grateful animal in the world. If any furry is already in love with its owners… imagine then how will this soul be that was rescued from all the hardships we can imagine. He will dedicate his life to return this favor to you. The love samples you will receive daily will be your remedy for overcoming depression.

Lastly, if you cannot keep a pet at home for reasons of space, time or money, we recommend that you have dog or feline therapy from time to time. Like? Going to an animal shelter, visiting a family member or friend who has a pet, or simply showing affection to an abandoned dog. You’ll see how much better you feel right away!