Stories about the way people and pets bond have stood the test of time.
Even Hollywood has capitalized on these remarkable relationships with Disney classics such as “Homeward Bound,” “101 Dalmatians” and “Old Yeller.” No doubt, people love their pets, and their pets love them. Still, with nearly 6 to 8 million cats and dogs entering U.S. animal shelters every year, shelters are overwhelmed; and they face the difficult decision of euthanizing some animals that have been there for an extended period of time to make room for the newbies. It’s no wonder that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals refers to spring as the “the saddest season for animal shelters.”
With so many furry friends eagerly awaiting adoption, it’s the perfect time to think about getting your teen a pet. When you adopt a pet, the reward is two-fold: First, a needy animal gets a permanent home; and second, your teen experiences the joy of owning and bonding with a true friend.
Pets can be especially beneficial if your teen struggles with emotional and psychological issues. Research has consistently shown that owning a pet is good for a person’s emotional and physical well-being. Given that about 1 in 5 adolescents struggle with a mental disorder, the idea that a furry friend could help them is well worth exploring. While certainly professional counseling and medication may be what the doctor ordered, a four-legged companion could also help improve your teen’s well-being.
[See: 7 Ways Pets Can Make You Healthier.]
A Pet to Grow Up With
Adolescence is an especially turbulent time. Teens begin to pull away and differentiate themselves from others; they begin to search for their identity separate from their parents’, and they begin to think about their future. But caught somewhere between childhood and adulthood, teens often struggle to find their place in the world, which can lead to chaos and confusion.
Many teens may lack the necessary coping skills to deal with troublesome emotions. All too often these youth are left to face their inner demons alone, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Studies have shown that youth who are attached to a pet tend to function better emotionally in comparison to peers who don’t own a pet. Pets can give teens an added sense of purpose and force them to interact, even when they may not feel like socializing.
Youth who care for an animal have stronger social relationships. What’s more, a study from Tufts University reported that caring for a pet can boost teenagers’ connections to their communities. The study also found that high levels of attachment to a pet in late adolescence were related with feeling connected with others, feeling empathy and having more self-confidence.
In addition to social support, here are five other advantages of owning a pet:
Pets are a lot easier to hug than a person. Let’s face it, many teens aren’t all that affectionate. But a pet can turn that around. Whether it’s a bark or a meow, animals are notorious for demanding and getting attention. It’s hard for a teen to ignore that brush against the leg, nudge to cuddle or a lick that says, “I love you.” That’s all the more important when teens aren’t feeling as much love from their human peers.
[See: Is It Healthy to Sleep With Your Pet?]
They are all ears in tough times. Many teens believe adults don’t understand what they’re going through, so they bottle up their problems. Using a pet as a sounding board is a great way to process and put into words all of those confusing thoughts and emotions — and paws down, these furry friends are the world’s best listeners.
Pets melt away stress and anxiety. There is nothing quite like petting an animal to help soothe and calm a racing mind. Playing with a pet can increase levels of oxytocin, a stress-reducing hormone, and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, having a pet is associated with a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, all of which reduce the risk for having a heart attack. So while they’re stealing your heart, they may also be protecting it.
They help with socialization and communication. An animal can enhance social skills, particularly in a youth with autism. Research from the University of Missouri shows that animals help youth with assertiveness and increase their confidence in their interactions with others. Pets are way more interesting to talk about than the weather, and they have a way of getting people to engage in social situations.
Pets are always by your side. A pet is always present, even in life’s dark moments. Unlike people who can come and go, pets are right there each step of the way. Pets can help with combating feelings of depression and anxiety by providing companionship. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicates owning a pet can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem, among other psychological benefits, decrease loneliness and even make a person less introverted.
[See: 10 of the Biggest Health Threats Facing Your Kids This School Year.]
If you have a teen struggling with a mental or emotional issue, then a new pet may be the answer — or at least part of the solution. There’s no time like the present to adopt a pet, especially with so many of them needing a new home. Pet adoption is a win-win, not only for a troubled youth, but also for the new furry friend.
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Could a Pet Improve Your Teen’s Well-Being? originally appeared on usnews.com
