The Science Behind Why Pets Make Us Happy
The Science Behind Why Pets Make Us Happy The benefits of spending time with a pet extend much further than simply bringing a smile to our faces. Their company is known to have wide-ranging mental and physical health benefits, all of which contribute to making us feel happier and more fulfilled. Many studies have documented these incredible effects and even more are underway to pinpoint exactly what makes this bond so special. What Science Says About Pets and Happiness So what is it about our four-legged friends that make us feel so warm and fuzzy? One theory is that spending time with a pet stimulates the release of oxytocin in people. Oxytocin is a hormone released in response to positive physical interactions. Once released, it has many benefits including reducing stress and anxiety, decreasing sensitivity to pain, increasing empathy, promoting bonding and nurturing behaviors, and improving self-confidence. 1 All of these e...