In the absence of human-to-human contact due to coronavirus induced lockdowns, job losses and social isolation, pet animals filled the need by providing much-wanted comfort via cuddles, pats and a constant physical presence, according to a study published in the journal of Behavioural Economics for Policy (JBEP).
Researchers from University of South Australia asserted that as pets have played a lifesaving role in 2020, the Governments need take notice of this connections. Hospitals, hospices and aged care facilities should be encouraging pet connections with residents, they said in the study.
Lead author Dr Janette Young underlined that physical touch is a sense that has been taken for granted - even overlooked - until Covid-19 visited our door earlier this year.
“To fill the void of loneliness and provide a buffer against stress, there has been a global upsurge in people adopting dogs and cats from animal shelters during lockdowns. Breeders have also been inundated, with demands for puppies quadrupling some waiting lists,” she said.
It is estimated that more than half the global population share their lives with one or more pets. The health benefits have been widely reported, but little data exists regarding the specific benefits that pets bring to humans in terms of touch.
Touch is an understudied sense, but existing evidence indicates it is crucial for growth, development and health, as well as reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. It is also thought that touch may be particularly important for older people as other senses decline, she said.
In interviews with 32 people, more than 90 per cent said touching their pets both comforted and relaxed them - and the pets seemed to need it as well while many referenced pets’ innate ability to just “know” when their human counterparts weren’t feeling well and to want to get physically close to them.
Kavita Kumar, a Defence Colony resident in New Delhi, agreed with the observation recalling how her furry pet, Muffin, has been a harbinger of peace and solace in these trying times. “He has been able to gauge my ups and downs and has provided me with sane and streamlines thoughts taking away the stress surrounding us,” said Kumar a teacher in a Delhi school
Unnati G Hunjan and Jayasankara Reddy, researchers from Christ University, Karnataka in their study in Sage Journals too have talked about various benefits of touch healing of pets. “It also releases biochemicals which can further boost the immune system and enhance health and well-being, “ they said.