Pets as Mental Health Aids

It's a common belief that having pets is beneficial to human health. For instance, according to a 2019 study published by the American Heart Association, owning a pet dog cut owners' mortality rates by 24% by encouraging frequent, moderate exercise through walks. But, the effects are not as clear-cut or as uplifting when it comes to mental health, such as fighting depression.

The Independent looked at 30 studies in 2019 to determine how pets affect their owners' mental health. There was little evidence that pets helped owners deal with sadness, which was an interesting but depressing finding. In fact, owners were more depressed than non-owners, according to five research. Although five may not seem like a lot, it is the same number of people who said that pets might cure or prevent depression. It turns out that despite their potential as a motivator, they have not been proven to be effective as instruments for mental wellness.