…but your mental health also needs care
- Almost 80 percent of dog and cat owners feel less lonely with their animal companion.
- Strong bond: 88 percent of dog owners and 81 percent of cat owners believe that their animals can sense when they feel uncomfortable.
- The mental health of furry friends also needs attention: feelings of anxiety are the most common challenge.
- However, more than a fifth of dog and cat owners do not believe that pets can also have psychological problems.
Hanover. Pets have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. They are loyal companions, best friends and comforters. So it's no wonder that a new study by Figo Pet in collaboration with the market research institute dvj insights has shown that furry friends have been proven to have very positive effects on the mental health of their owners. In the study, 90 percent of dog owners and 86 percent of cat owners confirm that their pets improve their mood and provide comfort during difficult times. But what too many people still don't know is that animals also suffer from mental health problems that can affect their physical health.
Dogs instead of painkillers: How four-legged friends strengthen our well-being
A small study in the journal Acta Psychologica found through experiments that the presence of dogs relieves pain more effectively than that of friends – own dogs in particular reduce pain intensity and stress reactions. In the Figo Pet study, 78 percent of dog owners reported feeling less lonely since having a dog, and 63 percent said they relied less on activities like yoga or meditation to relieve stress. There are similar results among cat owners, as 74 percent also feel less lonely because of their cat. Furthermore, 88 percent of dog owners and 81 percent of cat owners believe that their animals can sense when they feel uncomfortable. This strong bond contributes significantly to the well-being of pet owners.
Why animals also need mental care
Despite the positive impact on humans, pets' mental health is often overlooked. Although the majority of pet owners agree that the mental health of their animals should be taken more seriously, one in five pet owners incorrectly does not believe that animals can also have mental problems.
Fear is one of the most common emotional challenges observed in pets. According to the study, 57 percent of dog owners and 53 percent of cat owners have noticed signs of anxiety in their animals. This often manifests itself through stress in unfamiliar situations, such as loud noises or new surroundings. Just under a fifth of dog owners and a quarter of cat owners said they had never noticed emotional problems in their pets.
Dr. med. vet. Stephanie Adams, animal behavior therapist in Berlin, says: “The awareness that a dog simply cannot do something after numerous training sessions – and not just doesn't want to – is what brings most people to me. Emotional stress can have a long-term impact on the health of animals and often requires specialized treatment in the form of behavioral therapy. We carefully examine behavioral problems and, in addition to individual therapy, also provide medication if necessary. My goal is to help people and dogs come together to form a coherent and harmonious team.”
Behavioral therapy for four-legged friends?
Luckily, some pet owners already know that their pets' emotional problems can lead to serious health complications. 70 percent of dog owners and 66 percent of cat owners are aware of the possible consequences and would be willing to see a specialist if their pet develops mental health problems. Figo Pet, for example, offers support for precisely such cases through comprehensive animal health insurance, which also includes a budget for behavioral therapy. This allows pet owners to ensure that their beloved four-legged friends are well looked after, both physically and mentally.
Conclusion
Animals are balm for the soul, so they equally deserve to have their mental health taken care of. Pet insurance like that from Figo Pet not only helps ensure the best possible treatment in an emergency, but also takes preventive measures to protect the well-being of pets.