There have been numerous studies that have taken a look at the relationship bond between pets and their owners. An interesting study done by Purina Dog foods in 2018, found that 95 percent of people who owned dogs viewed them as part of their family. Sixty-two percent said their dog helps them destress after a long day at work.  Fifty-five percent believed their dog provided them emotional comfort after receiving bad news.

This Pets and People survey done by Just Right, also found dogs have helped 15 percent of men gain the attention of the opposite sex. While half of all women surveyed said they preferred time with their dog over time with their partner.

Pets have the potential to both increase our ability to interact with others and also to become a distraction to a relationship if the focus is solely on the pet.  If you have owned a pet at one time or another, what did you notice about how your pet impacted your relationships?

Numerous studies have taken a look at the benefits pets can provide us in our relationships. One of the benefits, is that pets can  help us to start conversations with others. Have you ever noticed that when people walk their dog around their neighborhood others will start up conversations with them about their dog? Asking about your dog becomes a way to engage interaction.

Also studies have looked at the unconditional love that pets provide us that help us both with our loneliness and when we feel sad.

To find out more about these studies on how pets affect our relationships, click on the listen tab of this website MichelleMCastelli.com, to hear podcast#38.

(photo by Tran Mau Tri Tam)

Michelle Castelli

I am Michelle Castelli, an author, speaker, and relationship coach. I help people grow stronger and healthier relationships in these key areas of their life journey: Self, God/Spiritual, Dating, Marriage/family and Friends/co-workers.

I offer the empowering tool of personal coaching, and an insightful and life-changing podcast, blog, book, and relationship courses.