Positive touch is vital for health.

Skin contact secretes a cocktail of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.

In addition, touch reduces the stress hormone cortisol. 

Social distancing during the pandemic now means that many people lack skin contact.

But a new study shows that pets can compensate for that to a large extent. 

- The relationship with the animals can counteract the effects that the deprivation of skin contact has during the pandemic.

When almost half of the population on earth has animals, they can be one of the largest health resources we have now during this time, says Janette Young, researcher in medicine at the University of South Australia and author of the study. 

The pets provided relaxation

She has conducted qualitative interviews with 32 pet owners.

They had dogs, cats, birds and reptiles, including a crocodile.

The owners and the carpets stated that the animals gave them comfort, relaxation and a sense of familiarity. 

90 percent of the participants pointed to the skin contact as crucial to be able to feel these health effects.

Janette Young says that several pet owners stated that they felt cared for by the animals. 

- Many felt that the animals only "knew" when something was not right.

Then they gave comfort by cuddling or just sitting on them. 

An important aspect that contributed to the well-being of pet owners was that they felt that there was a reciprocity in the relationship with the animals.

It could be a bird's happy chirping, a dog's gaze that expressed "I love you" or a lizard that closes its eyes in pleasure, she describes in the study. 

- Through skin contact, the animals became part of the family and maybe they became part of theirs, says Janette Young. 

Important for Swedes

Ingmar Skoog, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at the University of Gothenburg, thinks that the study is interesting and has specific relevance for Sweden because we have the most single households in the world.

At the same time, we do not feel more alone than others, he says.  

- It may be because many in single households meet others, go to museums and do a lot of activities.

But now during the pandemic, there is a risk that loneliness has increased among single people because it is not possible to maintain contacts and closeness with friends and acquaintances, says Ingmar Skoog. 

Pets can therefore play an important role for those who live alone, he says. 

And that contact with animals is so significant to our well-being is perhaps not so strange.

There may be an evolutionary explanation from a long time ago, says Ingmar Skoog. 

- Touch was a way to keep the group together.

Touching each other is a way to show that you are friends and close to each other.

If you have not been touched for a long time, then it means that you have ended up outside, he concludes.