Did you know that April is National Pet Month, as well as National Stress Awareness Month? These link together very well since it is scientifically-proven that interacting with pets has several physical and mental health benefits, including reducing stress. Stroking a pet can reduce levels of cortisol, which is a stress-related hormone.

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands and plays an important role in a number of things your body does. It works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear. Therefore, interacting with pets can help to regulate your cortisol levels and ensure that you do not become overwhelmed by stress. 

The physical and mental health benefits can have a knock-on effect on stress too. For example, reducing loneliness reduces the stress felt due to social isolation, and regular exercise helps to keep the mind and body active. The social interaction between humans and their pets also increases oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the 'feel good' hormone. This is the same hormone that bonds mothers to their babies.

 

Click here to explore the benefits of owning a pet in more detail.

If these facts have encouraged you to add a pet to your family then you can view the animals we have available for adoption here.