Everyone needs a cuddle now and again especially when feeling a bit stressed or down. When the weather is cold we all like to snuggle up with our favourite pet to make us feel better. In fact, there is actual evidence that stroking your bunny or guinea pig can help to reduce your stress levels!
And now the science...
Recent research in the field of pets and stress revealed that there is indeed a correlation between stress levels and the company of animals. The research involved subjects having to conduct a stressful task in the company of humans and then in the company of animals. The presence of the animal in comparison to the human helped reduce the subject’s stress levels significantly. The research found that the unconditional type of companionship that people feel from pets lowers stress levels and provides greater quality of life.
Leader in the field of the health benefits from pets, Dr June McNicholas explains that "results from research conducted suggests that pets can provide valuable support during stressful times such as moving home or even when having to adjust to life changing situations such as coping with breast cancer".
Not just for cuddles...
The Small Animal Advisory Service would like you to remember that pets are not just a quick fix for stress, they are a commitment that take time, care and love. Only through building a relationship with your pet can the true stress relieving benefits of keeping small animals be seen.
