Pets emerge as top stress busters in hectic urban lifestyles

At a time when stress levels are mounting due to hectic lifestyles, long working hours and lack of communication here, the trend of keeping pets as “stress buster companions” is spreading fast.

Experts at GADVASU say that earlier, dogs were the preferred pets but the number of people keeping cats, birds and rabbits at home has been increasing over the past few years.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Gurpreet Singh of GADVASU Medicine Department informed that pets were not just being kept as companions but also as emotional supporters.

Dr Ravinder Kala, Director, Mindplus Healthcare, said that it was scientifically proven that pets were the best stress busters. “ They are fluffy and as you spend time with them, you develop a bond. You get love for looking after them. If one has the resources, time and energy, pets can be the best companions. People these days are turning towards pets for emotional comfort. They heal us physically and psychologically, Dr Kala said.

Parminder Kaur (name changed), who had a divorce after three years of marriage, had become depressed. Noticing the change in her demenour, her family gifted her a pet dog. “Since the dog came into my life, my stress levels have actually gone down as I stay busy looking after it and in return, get loads of affection”, Kaur said.

Experts say pets help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve overall mental health. “The unconditional love and constant presence of a pet can significantly ease stress,” Prabhleen from Petpro said. Dr JPS Gill, GADVASU V-C, said that people love their pets like family members. “And we are doing our best for their health and treatment, providing the state of art facilities,” he added.