06 May Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
How pets can boost your mental health
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week from the 12th to 18th of May. So, we thought this was the ideal time to take a look at how our furry friends can play an important role in helping promote good mental health. Our pets can play an important, and quite surprising, role in boosting our moods. And they do this in a number of ways; whether wanting to play, giving you affection or simply sleeping by your side or on your lap. It’s safe to say that when it comes to lifting our spirits, it comes naturally to them. They’re always there, never wanting anything from us, apart from food, and in the case of dogs, a good walk. But in return they give so much back.
Here’s how pets can raise your mood and improve your mental health. And why they’re worth that extra cuddle or treat.
Pets prevent loneliness
Feeling isolated and alone can contribute to or worsen various mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Pets are the perfect antidote for this. Dogs, cats and rabbits all bring a sense of companionship that stops a home feeling empty. Dogs are especially good at this — they’re non-stop bundles of happiness, thrilled to see you day or night, even when you’ve just been out of the house for five minutes. Any pet owner will confirm that after a long day, nothing beats an excited tail wagging when you walk through the door. While in the case of cats, you can look forward to a good cuddle or simply watching them rubbing against you as their warm welcome.
Instant stress relief
In today’s non-stop world, stress has become the norm. But it’s not good for our mental or physical health. The good news is that having a pet makes you feel calmer. Being with your pet releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, while also lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. Which is a win-win for feeling more relaxed and at ease.
Cats are champions at this thanks to their slow, rhythmic purring, which is basically nature’s white noise machine. Dogs too, with their constant grins and soft fur are our warm, walking comfort blankets. As are rabbits with their soft ears, plush fur and gentle demeanour. Sitting with your pet for just a few minutes and feeling their relaxing heartbeat can melt the stress of the day away.
Unconditional love 24/7
We love our pets. Just as importantly, they love us back without conditions. They don’t care what we look like, how much money we have or what kind of day we’re having. You could be feeling down, thinking you look a complete mess, and your dog will still think that you’ve the best thing ever. As will your cat as they give you a lovingly tender headbutt.
This kind of acceptance is powerful. It lets us know that we’re wanted, needed and loved. It’s this unconditional love that provides a constant, non-judgmental source of emotional support.
They make us laugh
Our pets don’t just make us smile, they make us laugh out loud as they’re natural comedians – even when they don’t mean to be. It could be because they’re doing something crazy like running around the garden, trying to squeeze into a small spot or simply fast asleep on their back with their legs in the air. Whatever it is they’re doing that’s so funny, they’re bringing joy into our lives. They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, we can’t comment on that, but it is good for your mental health as it lightens your mood, releases endorphins and gives you a more positive perspective on life.
They give us routine and responsibility
When you have a pet you can’t stay in bed because you’re feeling down. They need daily feeding, walking and playing with. This ongoing responsibility means a healthy routine that’s good for our mental health. This is especially true for dogs who love structure. For example, every morning they’ll be waiting for their walk.
This daily routine of looking after your pet without them being demanding or judgmental, can lead to healthier habits with the additional comfort that comes from the predictability of what they need and when. The simplicity of going for walkies or changing your rabbit’s hay is relaxing and strangely reassuring.
We do some exercise
Exercise is a natural antidepressant, and pets get us doing some without even thinking about it. We don’t need to tell you dog owners that daily walks do you good and can sometimes be the highlight of the day. Also, it doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like doing them or if the weather is bad. Your furry friend needs their walk.
Cat owners don’t miss out on getting some exercise. They get you moving when you’re playing games with them. It might not be as much as dog owners get, but every little bit of movement during the day makes a difference, clearing your head and shaking off the blues.
Pets teach us mindfulness
Pets live in the moment. There’s no worrying about tomorrow’s meeting or replaying yesterday’s awkward conversation. They’re fully present, whether chasing a ball, lounging in a sunny spot or munching on a carrot.
Lots of us live non-stop lives and spending time with our pet can remind us to slow down and enjoy the little things like a nice cup of tea or putting our feet up for five minutes. Mindfulness is a powerful tool for mental health and our pets are natural teachers.
As you can see, our pets are so much more than simply companions. They are our furry therapists. Constantly working to improve our mental health by lifting our mood, relieving stress and bringing joy into our lives every day. All of which is priceless. And goes a long way towards explaining why our pets become part of the family and why we love them so much.
The 4Paws Team