Pets in everyday life: stress reduction and better health for city dwellers!

Pets in everyday life: stress reduction and better health for city dwellers!

A new study by the Section for Molecular Psychosomatics at Ulm University Hospital, in collaboration with other researchers from Germany and the USA, has pointed to the positive effects of pet contact on the well-being of city children. The results were recently published in the journal “Brain, Behavior and Immunity” under the title “Pawsitive impact”. According to the study, contact with animals could significantly reduce the risk of stress-related disorders later in life.

Large cities offer many jobs and leisure opportunities due to their high population density, but are also burdened by stress factors such as traffic and a lack of green spaces. Stress-related physical and psychological disorders are common in these urban environments. Scientists have found that immune system overreactions and chronic inflammation are common companions of stress. The intestinal barrier plays a crucial role; A disturbed function promotes the entry of harmful bacteria into the body.

Study shows positive effects of pets

In the current study, 40 healthy men aged 18 to 40 who grew up in cities with more than 40,000 inhabitants were recruited. It was examined how contact with pets affects their immune reactions. Participants either had no pets until age 15 or lived with a dog or cat for at least five years.

Psychosocial stress was induced by the “Trier Social Stress Test” (TSST), whereby blood and saliva samples were then taken for analysis of health status, life stress, animal contact and subjective stress. The results are revealing: participants without pets showed faster mobilization of neutrophils and an increased pro-inflammatory stress response. In contrast, contact with pets significantly improved immunoregulatory capacity and intestinal barrier function.

Health benefits and advice for society

In addition to the results of the Ulm study, other research shows that pets promote emotional and physical well-being. Emotionally connecting with pets can reduce stress, increase self-esteem and improve quality of life. Studies have shown that regular interactions with animals, such as walking them, strengthen the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and increase general feelings of happiness. Dog owners are more likely to achieve the exercise goals recommended by the WHO, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Animal-assisted therapy has become increasingly important in recent years. Animals are used in therapeutic contexts to help people with mental illness and to help them achieve better emotional well-being. The use of animals in the treatment of addiction patients in particular has proven to be very effective, with retention rates increasing by 30 percent.

In summary, current studies prove the major influence of pets on our health and quality of life. Those who live in urban environments could not only permanently improve their physical but also their mental health through contact with animals. The social recognition of pets as valuable companions is therefore becoming increasingly important. However, pets should be optimally integrated into their owners' living conditions in order to achieve the greatest possible health benefits.

University of Ulm reports that pets should not only consider financial aspects, but also need to be recognized as part of the family. This emotional connection strengthens social relationships and reduces feelings of loneliness, especially in older people or students.

In addition, numerous studies confirm that owning pets can significantly increase general well-being and quality of life. They not only serve as loyal companions, but also as valuable support in therapy. Research and knowledge highlights that this bond has increased over the last two decades.

These findings make it clear that pets are much more than just loyal companions - they are also a key to a healthier and happier life, especially in stressful urban environments. District Journal highlights the importance of emotional support from pets and their ability to reduce social isolation and promote emotional well-being.