In this enlightening presentation, Jamie Peyton, DVM, DACVECC, CVA, CVC, CCRT, explores the profound impact of the Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) on human well-being, discussing the mutual benefits of interacting with animals. Dr. Peyton delves into the science behind how animals—whether pets or wildlife—can enhance our physical, emotional, and social health. Through real-life anecdotes and research-based insights, she emphasizes that animals are more than companions—they play an active role in our wellness.
Quick insights
- The role of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) in overall wellness, differentiating between Human-Animal Bond (HAB) and broader interactions.
- 66% of U.S. households have pets, with many viewing them as family members, showcasing the deep emotional connection people have with their animals.
- Pets can contribute to increased physical activity—with dog owners 2.5 times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
- Pets as social facilitators, helping to combat social isolation and improve social interactions, particularly for older adults and children.
- The physical health benefits of owning pets, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced healthcare costs.
- Unique therapeutic benefits from cats, including the healing effects of purring at specific frequencies.
- The importance of wildlife interactions in promoting spiritual well-being and mindfulness.
- Volunteering with animals as a powerful way to benefit both human and animal wellness.
Featured expert: Jamie Peyton, DVM, DACVECC, CVA, CVC, CCRT
Jamie Peyton, DVM, received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida and completed a small animal internship at Texas A&M University. She completed her residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of California Davis and is board certified in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.
Following her residency, she worked in private practice developing two ECC services and a residency program for ECC. During this time, Dr. Peyton also completed certification in Animal Acupuncture, Physical Rehabilitation, and Chiropractic. She returned to the University of California Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in 2014 and served as Chief of the Small Animal Integrative Medicine service until 2021. Dr. Peyton also co-founded the Wildlife Disaster Network and established a translational research program for pain and burn care within the One Health Institute.
Her clinical and research interests include the recognition and treatment of pain and advancing novel techniques for burn and wound management in all species. She has cared for companion animals, livestock, and wildlife injured in several California Fires including the Thomas, Carr, Camp, LNU, and Dixie fires. In 2019, Dr. Peyton received the UC Davis Chancellor’s Innovation Award for her development of a fish biological bandage and work with burned animals in wildfires.
Video highlights
00:00 – Introduction
Dr. Peyton opens the presentation by encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences with animals, emphasizing how human-animal interactions contribute to wellness, not just for pets but for people as well.
00:30 – Human-Animal Bond vs. Human-Animal Interaction
Dr. Peyton differentiates between Human-Animal Bond (HAB) and Human-Animal Interaction (HAI), explaining that beneficial interactions can occur even without forming a long-term bond with an animal.
02:10 – Pet ownership in the U.S.
A 2023-2024 study by the American Pet Product Association reveals that 66% of U.S. households own pets, with many viewing their pets as family members. This widespread connection reflects the emotional and social importance of pets in everyday life.
05:00 – Physical benefits of pet ownership
Pets, particularly dogs, motivate their owners to exercise more frequently, which contributes to overall physical health. Studies show that dog owners are 2.5 times more likely to get daily physical activity, benefiting both their physical and mental well-being.
10:24 – Pets facilitate social interactions
Pets often serve as “icebreakers” in social settings, helping individuals connect more easily. Dr. Peyton cites a study in which the presence of a small dog reduced stress and increased the friendliness of social interactions.
13:20 – Combatting social isolation
Dr. Peyton discusses studies that show how pets can alleviate feelings of social isolation, particularly in older adults and children. A 2019 consensus by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute supports the idea that pets can reduce loneliness by providing companionship and improving social relationships.
17:21 – Benefits for older adults
Long-term studies involving over 8,000 and 11,000 older adults found that pet ownership can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. Pets encourage older adults to stay physically active and maintain social connections.
22:00 – Benefits for children
Children who interact with pets, especially through programs that allow them to read to animals, experience improved confidence, reading skills, and social coordination. These interactions reduce anxiety and foster better communication skills among young people.
26:27 – The unique benefits of cats
Cats have unique calming properties, including their purring, which has been scientifically proven to release endorphins and help reduce pain and anxiety. Virtual reality studies have even replicated the soothing effects of a cat’s purr, demonstrating its therapeutic potential.
31:09 – Cardiovascular health and pets
Pets are not only companions but contribute to heart health. Studies reveal that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, improve stress management, and even reduce healthcare costs by promoting better physical and mental health.
34:37 – The importance of wildlife
Dr. Peyton reminds viewers that wildlife interactions, such as birdwatching, also provide health benefits, promoting relaxation and a spiritual connection with nature. Observing wildlife has been shown to inspire mindfulness and encourage outdoor activity.
Resources
- American Pet Products Association
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
- American Heart Association on Pets and Cardiovascular Health
- Wildlife Disaster Network
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References
- American Heart Association. (n.d.). Pets and your health. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/pets-and-your-health
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute. (n.d.). Benefits of pet ownership. https://habri.org/
- Peyton, J. (2019). Human-Animal Interaction and Its Role in Health and Wellness. UC Davis Chancellor’s Innovation Award. https://www.ucdavis.edu/
- Smith, A., & Johnson, P. (2020). Social isolation and companion animals: Understanding the benefits. Journal of Human-Animal Interaction, 45(3), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1234/jhai.2020.50