The fact that our pets make us feel good is generally known. Moreover, it seems that pets can have a positive effect on us even when we have mental diseases. At least people who suffer from those claim that.
People living with a severe mental illness say their pets are one of the most important aspects which helps them handle their complicated situation. In the study published in BMC Psychiatry which deals with the support of mentally ill, 60 percent of the people asked stated their pets belonged to the central circle of their support network and other 20 percent said they were important support.
Animals help people handle their feelings better. They make them not to focus on the symptoms of their illness and calm them down. Sometimes all it takes is everyday care of the animal, caressing it or a mere presence or proximity of a second creature. Moreover, pets get integrated to the network of person’s relationships which is often impaired for mentally ill people and they have troubles with establishing interpersonal relationships. These are important for human health.
The relationship of a person and an animal is not so complicated and it tends to be always positive. These relationships differ from those interpersonal in the fact that they’re our own choices contrary to our relationships with relatives, for example. Animals do not judge nor doubt us. This removes the burden from the negative feelings connected to the relationship, the lack of self-confidence does not hurt it and it has other positive aspects.
For mentally ill people, even getting out of bed in the morning and get outside among other people might be difficult. A dog will make them get out of bed as it has its needs. And pets also help patients to get back to their thorough daily routine – every animal needs to be fed every day, a regularly cleaned toilet and its hair needs care... We also have to take into account the fact that if an ill person loses his/her will to take care of himself/herself (it doesn’t matter if it’s due to mental or physical health), it’s risky for the pet to be only dependent on him/her. However, a person might get a new lease on life thanks to a pet.
Animals have definitely a positive influence on the mental health of people and it’s a shame that studies that deal with this issue are considered to be too trivial and they don’t get the attention they deserve. In my opinion, pets have a lot to offer and I personally see their positive influence basically every day. They help me to get rid of bad moods, they always come when I need cuddling and they make me get out of the sofa. What do you think? Can pets help to cure mental health problems?
Sometimes, one dog is not enough and it is better to have a whole pack. Especially if you breed drafting (or also pulling) dogs. Of course, the more dogs you have, the more care and issues it means, but it also means there’s much more joy for the...
The modern world is not only rich in material things but also in the number of dog breeds. There are quite a lot of them, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes 360 different breeds. And they are not only different from each other when...
There are many ways to learn a new thing. One of the most pleasant ones for both the dog and its owner is positive motivation. Thanks to it, a dog learns new tricks in a simple and pleasing way and it also helps to develop a mutual social relationship...
Pregnancy is a difficult time for a bitch in all aspects. The body nourishes more organisms and it needs to be reflected in her energy and nutrient intake. A breeder, racer and sport cynology contestant, Jitka Duffková, gives advice on how to make...
You might be interested in this dog sport but you have many questions before you can decide to start with it. Will my buddy enjoy it? Do I have sufficient physical abilities? When should we start, isn’t it too soon or too late? This article and advice...
A healthy mouth is a very important part of the complex vitality of a cat and we shouldn’t neglect taking care of it. There are many oral diseases our furry friends can suffer from. What can you do to keep your cat’s teeth clean?
Korat is a very rare breed that isn’t very common even in Thailand – the country of its origin. Thanks to its beautiful, soft, silver-tipped hair as well as its special nature, it’s unmistakable. This breed definitely deserves some attention.
Have you ever thought about how the composition of the gut microbiota of your dog companion influences its mood, metabolism or immune system in addition to its digestion? Do you know how bacteria work in guts and how to keep the good ones inside?
Letting furious dogs with only one task – to detain and put you down – bite you is definitely not for everyone. But is it really as horrifying as it may look from the outsider’s point of view? Jan Böhm answers our questions about what it takes to be...
Snakes and scorpions are said to get out on Saint George’s Day. It has been a while since then, so it’s no surprise that we can see a lizard or a snake when on a walk somewhere or in our gardens. They already left their underground shelters designed...
The German Boxer can truly be called a versatile dog. With no doubts, it can be a family dog, a watchdog or a rescuer. It is also good at sports. A long-term boxer breeder, Ing. Michaela Martinů, can confirm that.
Bikejöring doesn’t mean that a dog simply runs next to a bike. The dog pulls the bike when doing this sport, it is similar to dog sledding. A famous Slovak musher, Marcel Dučák, will tell us what equipment you need for it, what dogs it is good for,...
