Animals as Teachers and Healers

Interactions with our animal friends are beneficial, with cats having the most calming effect on humans than any other species. Studies have discovered that biochemical changes occur in both people and their pets. The neurochemicals changes include:

Increased levels of beta-endorphin, a hormone that decreases pain, boosts the immune system, and promotes a feeling of well being and relaxation
Increased levels of oxytocin, the bonding chemical that is found in mothers and babies
Increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that modifies mood, sleep, and pain
Increases levels of beta-pheylethiamine (the chocolate ingredient), a stimulant
Increases levels of dopamine, which provides feelings of enjoyment
Decreased levels of cortisol, resulting in stress reduction

Other Benefits of Human and Pet Interactions

Decreased blood pressure
Decreased anxiety and depression
Immune system boost
Fewer allergies
Lower cholesterol
Fewer strokes

Other Ways That Our Animal Friends Help Us

Some dogs respond to chemical changes in the human, such as the onset of diabetes
Dogs are often used in mental health therapy, and couples therapy
Pets help with ADD (attention deficit disorder) symptoms
Horses and dogs help autistic children with their symptoms
Walking your dog keeps your bones strong
Stretching with your cat helps relieve the pain of fibromyalgia and arthritis
Horses can be used in stroke victim rehabilitation
Dogs and cats can sense when people aren’t feeling well and offer comfort
The Xolo (a Mexican hairless dog) generates heat and can be trained to lie next to a person in pain or wrap itself around the neck of a person in chronic back pain. The Xolo is a gift for those with fibromyalgia and chronic pain
Specially trained dogs live with people who have epilepsy. They are trained to sense when a seizure is coming.
Dogs help those with Parkinson ’s disease, allowing them to stay independent
Visiting therapy dogs help stroke victims and those with other diseases
Cats give a calming presence to AIDS and Alzheimer’s patients, decreasing depression
Animal assisted therapy in hospitals and nursing homes can improve mood and decrease anxiety

Visit the Best Friends Animal Society's Website