How to Cope with Losing a Pet
Anyone who owns a pet will tell you how important they are in their lives. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit or horse, pets can provide a great amount of comfort and love to their owners. It’s this kind of unconditional love that has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing as they help us to live happier and more fulfilled lives. Studies have shown that interacting with animals increases our levels of oxytocin (OT), which can reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. In a study published by HABRI , it states that “research has demonstrated participants’ OT levels increased after interacting with or petting a dog, suggesting OT is at least partially responsible for the calm, relaxing feeling that participants experienced during this intervention.” So, it should come as no surprise that losing a pet can be extremely difficult to deal with and in some instances equally as distressing as losing a close friend or family member. Ways to cope with losing a pet Unlike losing a person in your...