2024-03-15 09:09:14
– An animal at home soothes the body and head
Whether it’s a cat, a dog, or a rabbit, it brings joy and comfort. And various studies assure that the ties that bind us have virtues on our physical and mental health.
Élodie Lavigne [email protected]
Published today at 10:09 a.m.
Dejan Ristovski / Getty Images
Cats, dogs, rodents, birds or more exotic species… animal lovers know how living with a pet is a source of daily happiness. Better yet: as science and several research studies carried out on the impact of the bonds we develop with them show, they provide numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Some studies focus on healthy children and older people. Others are interested in atypical populations, such as children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or the autism spectrum, or even elderly people suffering from dementia. Note that it is necessary to “clearly distinguish between the benefits of the presence of the animal in a home and animal mediation, which aims to improve the individual’s ability to function on a daily basis” (read box), underlines Nicolas Dollion, lecturer in developmental psychology at the Cognition, health and society laboratory at the University of Reims, in France.
Better physical health
The effects on fitness have mostly been studied with dogs, an animal species that is easier to train than others. Taking your companion out several times a day is in fact a good way to increase your physical activity, a first-rate protective factor for health.
Among the elderly in particular, the animal, which is also an antidote to loneliness, therefore proves to be an asset for maintaining physical activity. Among adolescents, the presence of a dog at home, for these same reasons, reduces the time spent in front of screens and a sedentary lifestyle.
Furthermore, we know that living with a pet reduces the risk of cardiovascular accidents and high blood pressure. An American study carried out on people aged 50 to 83 showed that cat owners had lower blood pressure than others.
Growing up alongside an animal is an opportunity to understand the cycle of life, from reproduction to birth, until death. As a result, his death is often a real heartbreak. Often considered a full member of the family, he is one of the most important attachment figures for the child; his death is often, for him, the first confrontation with the end of life. “The sadness and suffering felt are part of mourning,” assures Daniel Marcelli, professor emeritus of child and adolescent psychiatry. We must support the child, for example with goodbye rituals, to help them get through this ordeal.” However sad it may be, “this first experience can give him inner strength which will allow him to face subsequent bereavements,” he concludes.
That’s not all! Living with an animal would also be good for the brain, as shown in a recent study which measured memory and verbal fluency in elderly people living alone.
In patients with Alzheimer’s residing in an institution, the presence of dogs or rodents can reduce certain behaviors specific to the disease (nocturnal wandering, agitation, irritability, etc.). “A few studies even indicate a slowing down of cognitive decline, a stabilization, or even an improvement in cognitive abilities, but these results must be confirmed,” nuance Nicolas Dollion.
Good for mental health
The literature also suggests that this would limit the risks of depression and anxiety. “Covid-19 was a very good opportunity to study these effects,” notes Nicolas Dollion. Two hormones play a major role in this: cortisol and oxytocin. Secretion of cortisol (the stress hormone) is lower in pet owners. This results in a lower level of anxiety, both in the elderly and in children. As for oxytocin (the attachment hormone), its secretion increases when the owner interacts with his dog, for example by exchanging glances. Higher oxytocin levels mean less stress and therefore more well-being.
“Taking care of your animal allows you to take your focus off yourself,” adds Frenchman Daniel Marcelli, professor emeritus of child and adolescent psychiatry and author of various works*. We can build very special relationships with him: “He is a precious being, who brings comfort and to whom the child can entrust his secrets without fear of being betrayed,” continues the psychiatrist. For younger people, having someone close to you who gives you the feeling of being understood improves mental health and self-esteem.
Pet therapy, or animal mediation, consists of interventions with patients by a person trained and assisted by an animal, with defined therapeutic objectives. “The practices can be broad, but are always done with the agreement of the patient or their loved ones,” underlines Myriam Chabloz, occupational therapist at the Neurorehabilitation Department of the University Hospitals of Geneva. Twice a week, his dog Shelby accompanies her in her consultations: “She is a source of enormous motivation for patients. It doesn’t judge and takes away some of the stress linked to rehabilitation.”
The role the animal plays depends on the needs of the patients. Through ball games, pronouncing a command, preparing dog biscuits, going for a walk or even giving him food, different skills (dexterity, language, walking, strength, balance, concentration, etc.) can be be trained. “Pet therapy offers me one more tool as a health professional, while respecting the needs of my animal,” concludes the occupational therapist.
In the case of autism spectrum disorder, the relationship with the dog can restore many things, illustrates Nicolas Dollion: “When the child sees that his dog listens to him and obeys simple commands like “sit” or “lie down”, their sense of effectiveness and self-esteem increase.”
The presence of an animal in the home also supports the child’s socio-emotional development and allows them to exercise positive social behaviors that they can then extend to other people. “We observe more prosocial behavior and greater empathy in children who grew up with a pet,” confirms the researcher. Finally, it strengthens family cohesion, this presence creating positive and shared moments of life.
However, “the animal is not a magic pill,” concludes Nicolas Dollion. Regardless of the species or breed, for these benefits to be present, the person must have an interest in the animal. And, sine qua non, that she develops an attachment to him.” Finally, ensuring the animal’s well-being and respecting its needs are essential for a successful relationship.
*In particular “The child, the animal, a relationship full of resources”, with Anne Lanchon (Érès, 2017), “Too many choices disrupt education”, with Antoine Périer (Odile Jacob, 2023).
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