Watching Fish In An Aquarium Can Also Melt Away Stress And Anxiety; Find Out More About Other Pets

Pets are more than just companions; they are sources of comfort. After a long day at work, school, or running errands, simply coming home to your beloved pets can make the stress and anxiety melt away. Recently, the trend of adopting pets as a form of therapy has grown globally, thanks to its proven positive results.

Regardless of age, many find joy in adopting pets. While there are many animals you can adopt, dogs, fish, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, and sheep are among the most calming and peaceful pets.

Benefits

Dr. Layla Esposito, who oversees News In Health's Human-Animal Interaction Research Program, explains, “There’s not one answer about how a pet can help somebody with a specific condition. Is your goal to increase physical activity? Then you might benefit from owning a dog. You have to walk a dog several times a day and you’re going to increase physical activity. If your goal is reducing stress, sometimes watching fish swim can result in a feeling of calmness. So there’s no one type fits all.”

Popular Pets

Among all pets, dogs and cats rank highest in providing comfort to their owners, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while encouraging love and affection. Rabbits are also a great choice if space is a concern. For those allergic to furry pets, fish can be a good alternative. HelpGuide states that “even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate."

Sharing Responsibilities

While pets can bring immense joy and comfort during difficult times, it’s important to consider the additional responsibilities that come with caring for them.

“Remember that animals can feel stressed and fatigued, too.” News In Health advises. “It’s important for kids to be able to recognize signs of stress in their pet and know when not to approach. Animal bites can cause serious harm.”