A veterinarian spoke about the influence of pets on people's moods

Winter is a time when some people face a feeling of chronic fatigue. During this period, it is especially important to take care of one's psycho-emotional state, and pets can help, Marianna Onufrienko, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, expert at the Center for the Study of Nutrition and Animal Welfare, told Izvestia on February 17.

She specified that interaction with pets promotes the production of happiness hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help us feel happier and more satisfied.

According to an expert, studies show that petting a dog or cat significantly reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Interacting with them doesn't just improve your mood, it helps manage anxiety and reduces the risk of depression.

"Physical activity that accompanies pet care plays an important role in improving quality of life. Walking and playing outdoors with your pet boosts health and helps boost mood. It is also important to change routes, visit new locations with your pet and try different activities, such as treasure hunts and other games that you can learn about on Kinpet. Also, regular leisure time with your pet outdoors becomes a great motivation to maintain an active lifestyle at any time of the year," Onufrienko added.

In addition, she pointed out that having a pet helps to create social bonds: for example, dog owners often communicate with each other during walks. This interaction becomes an important source of support and friendship, especially during the winter months when people may leave the house less often and feel more isolated. Thus, pets become not only faithful companions but also a bond between people, and the informal socializing on walks has a positive effect on our psycho-emotional state.

"Also pets are great companions with whom you can explore your city. In the company of a furry friend it is much more comfortable to leave the house in the cold season and visit coffee shops, exhibitions and even fitness halls. So you can get new impressions and positive emotions together, which is especially important during the prolonged winter, when we have to be a little more creative to maintain emotional stability," Onufrienko concluded.

Earlier, on January 21, it was reported that Russians in the first month of the year were actively interested in information about pets on the Web. This follows from the data of analysts of the content platform Zen. Thus, during the New Year holidays, Internet users more often watched materials about cats than about dogs. Articles about the most expensive cat breeds in the world and the reasons why animals trample their owners with their paws aroused particular interest.