The companionship of pets, particularly dogs and cats, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health in teens. Research by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute suggests that “the presence of a pet dog significantly buffered increases in perceived stress”(HABRI). Pets can improve morale and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in teens. A recent poll performed by the American Psychiatric Association discovered that “among pet owners, a strong majority (86%) said their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health”(APA) with almost 90% of dog and cat owners agreeing. The surveyed people also claimed that their pets offer companionship and are true friends.

Pets can also provide a sense of security and comfort to teens. According to Lawrence Robinson of HelpGuide.org, “playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine”(Robinson), which are hormones that help regulate stress and anxiety. This can help reduce negative emotions, increase feelings of well-being, and push long-term changes in behavior.

Furthermore, pets can encourage movement and social interaction for their owners. In a study published by the CDC, “dog owners who walk their dogs are significantly more likely to meet physical activity guidelines and are less likely to be obese than non-dog owners or walkers”(Gadomski). Walking a dog or playing with a cat can provide opportunities for exercise and socialization with other teens. NIH states “When the children spent 10 minutes in a supervised group playtime with guinea pigs, their anxiety levels dropped. The children also had better social interactions and were more engaged with their peers”(NIH). Just having animals around can make teens more comfortable and sociable because animals offer unconditional acceptance for everyone.

Pets can also serve as a source of unconditional love and support for teens struggling with mental health disorders. As Tresca of Teen Rehab notes, “for teens with mental health disorders, particularly in this time of grief and isolation during a global pandemic, the benefits of pets include helping provide structure, companionship, and healing”(Tresca). Pets need a structured life with feeding and exercise which helps teens by giving them a responsibility and something to do. Pets are also always there when you need them.

From inducing calming hormones to creating opportunities for exercise and social interactions, pets can positively affect teens in countless ways that are life-long.

References

Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll;  Dogs and Cats. www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Positive-Mental-Health-Impact-of-Pets#:~:text=Among%20pet%20owners%2C%20a%20strong,a%20part%20of%20their%20family.

Gadomski, Anne, et al. “Pet Dogs and Children’s Health: Opportunities for Chronic Disease Prevention?” Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 12, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nov. 2015, doi:10.5888/pcd12.150204. cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2015/15_0204a.htm#:~:text=Mental%20Well%2DBeing%3A%20Companion%20animals,post%2Dtraumatic%20stress%2C%20mood%20obsessive

Human-Animal Bond Research Institute. “Mental Health and Well-Being  | HABRI.” HABRI, 13 Oct. 2020, habri.org/research/child-health/mental-health.

Robinson, Lawrence. “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets.” HelpGuide.org, Apr. 2023, www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm#:~:text=Pets%2C%20especially%20dogs%20and%20cats,up%20more%20secure%20and%20active. 

Tresca. “The Benefits of Pets for Teens With Mental Health Disorders.” Teen Rehab, Mar. 2021, www.teenrehab.org/resources/helping-your-teen/benefits-of-pets/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20animals,an%20increased%20desire%20to%20live

Wein, Harrison, editor. “The Power of Pets.” NIH News in Health, 26 July 2022, newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets. Accessed 14 May 2023.