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Do pets help fight depression?

User Profile: elizzaAAA
elizzaAAA January 25th, 2020

Do pets help fight depression? If so, which ones?

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User Profile: AlexFox800
AlexFox800 January 25th, 2020

@elizzaAAA My dogs play a big part when it comes to helping me with my depression! I believe there are proven studies that say animals can really help our mood.

User Profile: SecretlyMe
SecretlyMe January 25th, 2020

@elizzaAAA I've heard that animals do help fight depression symptoms. But I don't think it is based on the animal species but rather the relationship that is formed between owner and pet. I have a cat that is the sweetest thing ever. She curls up on my lap when I watch tv and sleeps on my chest when I'm having a lazy morning. Basically, she comes for cuddles when I'm alone and which means she's always there when I am having my lowest moments. Can't explain why petting her makes me feel better but it's very therapuetic. Plus I feel so loved when she stays so close on bad days. Again, I don't think depression symtoms are erased just by having an animal in your home, it depends on how close you are with your beloved pet.

Hope this helps and hopefully you adopt a new friend soon!

1 reply
User Profile: kindStrings3073
kindStrings3073 January 25th, 2020

There's research petting animals helps keep you in the moment and that having to walk a dog can really help with getting out and exercise/meeting people.

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User Profile: gven
gven January 27th, 2020

In my opinion, a dog is the best way to deal with stress or depression. Your pet will happily meet you when you return from work, always ready to play, they feel their benefit when they bring you a stick in your teeth as many times as you drop it. He will never run away from home and will gladly go for a walk with his master. Personally, a beautiful St. Bernard lives at my place and I am very glad about this. True, I had a problem with which collar to choose for my pet, and the article https://petonbed.com/best-dog-collars/ helped me a lot. Here I found an overview of the best dog collars and many other interesting and useful information.

User Profile: helloworldhello
helloworldhello January 27th, 2020

@elizzaAAA

Sometimes. They definitely are cute and great to dote on and adorable. But they're a big responsibility so sometimes it feels like too much. Keep in mind they're gonna be a longterm thing.

For type of pet, it really depends on your energy levels. Personally, I've found that dogs are too much for me to handle for too long. Particularly friendly cats can also get really tiring, but they're much easier to handle.

Good luck!