A bond of love: How pets affect our well-being

The bond between people and animals has been strong for eternity, as is also illustrated in ancient sculptures, carvings, and murals of various cultures. It is a fact that pets offer more than just companionship. Over the past three decades of research, it has been discovered that animals have a long-lasting and deep influence on our mental as well as physical wellness. In this article, Dr. Anureet Sethi, Chairperson Co-founder at Trijog – Know Your Mind Pvt. Ltd., shares how pets can enhance our well-being :

Love hormone
Whether playing fetch, taking a long walk, or simply sitting together, pets leave you feeling loved and happy. Studies conducted worldwide have long established that being around furry friends has a two-pronged effect on our brains. The first is the decrease in cortisol, or the stress hormone, due to interaction with pets, which lowers blood pressure. Secondly, being with your pet prompts the release of oxytocin by your brain, a chemical which has popularly been called the 'love hormone'.

Healing touch
Many hospitals and health professionals are using pet therapy as an effective and impactful mode to hasten the healing of patients. Pets are like emotional anchors in today's fast-moving, busy world where more people are becoming disengaged from each other. They elicit mindfulness and are an essential component of well-being because they make humans live in the present by providing a grounding influence. Their need for care promotes empathy and provides an opportunity to destress.


Small and simple acts like stroking a pet's head, cuddling them, playing with them, or just seeing a fish swim around can help lower your anxiety and help induce calmness in your daily life by replacing negativity with positivity. This is particularly useful for trauma patients, the elderly, children, and especially beneficial to those struggling with severe mental challenges.

Living with a pet
The daily routine of living with a pet can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. Taking them on daily walks has physical benefits - not only do you stay fit, it can also lead to new friendships that can help you socially. Unlike complex relationships, pets are not judgemental and provide unconditional support whether you are a success or failure. This provides an emotional safety net where an individual can express themselves freely, which helps build psychological wellness. Their presence helps ease social burden and act like a stabilizing force that cultivates emotional balance and well-being.

Are you a ‘Pet Parent’ or your pet’s ‘Human’?
Humans keep pets for various reasons, such as companionship, service dogs to help with illness, watchdogs, and more. Whatever the reason, the profound impact of a pet on the well-being of a human goes beyond these reasons. The gratification that a companion animal delivers is like none other. In today's era, families are becoming smaller, and pets are integral to the family. There is a reason why pet owners call themselves ‘pet parents’. Their presence gives a sense of purpose and routine that elevates psychological well-being and resilience.

Count your blessings
It is not necessary to always use verbal communication to elevate a person’s mood or mental health . Non-verbal communication, like a lick or a snuggle by your little friend can significantly elevate one's mood, leading to a deeply satisfying life and balanced mental health. The welcome you get when you return home from a hard day at work is usually reward enough for the work you need to put in to maintain your pet. If you have a pet, count your blessings, and if you don’t have one- you must explore adopting a pet to make your life happy and complete.