The Healing Power Of Pets When You're Sick As A Dog

Connect with your pets to stay in the present moment, reduce stress and build self-compassion.

Bob and Poppy On Author's sofa giving much needed moral support taken by Sabrina Ahmed

I've been curled up on the sofa willing my immune system to work harder, faster and better to get through this crappy illness.

Downing more fresh honey and lemon than I've wanted over the past 10 days, my head and body aching, tissues strewn everywhere, and half-watching something on the TV has been no fun.

When I've felt sorry for myself though, a warm weight settled on my lap, a furry, purring reminder that I'm not alone.

Pets seem to have a sixth sense for when we’re unwell. They offer comfort without words, just simple presence.

OK they might scamper when you're coughing your lungs out, but they return to check you're still there and vaguely functional.

Their role goes deeper than cuddles and they’re like nature’s therapists, with real benefits for both brain and body in tricky times.

Connection, comfort and how pets help heal

When we’re sick, connection becomes essential not just with others, but with ourselves.

I've thought about this a lot this year. Burnout and chronic stress lead to a loss of identity as we lose our sense of self and confidence in our ability to cope.

We resign ourselves to ‘it'll just be like this forever’ or ‘it comes with the territory’. We beat ourselves up for questioning any differently.

But when we doubt ourselves and find self-compassion hard, our pets are uniquely positioned to meet this need.

They accept us exactly how we are. They know we have innate value.

I wrote about how oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” is released when you get a text or message from a loved one who's checking in on you.

When you stroke a dog or cat (or other pet), your brain releases oxytocin too, which calms the stress response, lowers blood pressure, and helps you feel safe and soothed.

The same hormone triggered during human connection is released when we connect to our pets.

Except they’re always available and never judge your bedhead or snotty nose. Not openly anyway…

Studies show petting animals can reduce cortisol (the stress mobilisation hormone), and the increased oxytocin boosts mood and even immunity.

A study in Frontiers in Psychology found dogs can sense human emotions through changes in body language and smell.

So, when your pet snuggles close, it’s not just comforting but their way of supporting you.

Being ill can spike back-to-work anxiety:

• ‘Will I recover in time for work?

• Have I let people down?

• How many emails will I have to read when I'm back?’

Pets help counter this with their steady presence and simple needs.

They still want feeding, comfort and attention, so you stay in the moment and counteract mental time travel into the unknown future.

This close to 2025 and I'm reflecting on changes for the year ahead.

Being more in the present moment is one and this experience is a great reminder to keep things simple.

Companionship in isolation

Illness often comes with physical isolation as you’re avoiding people to protect them from catching whatever bug you’ve got.

While it's necessary, it leaves you feeling lonely and disconnected. This was compounded for me as I've lost my voice and struggle with my hearing.

I feel like I'm in a weird alien bubble watching the world from afar. Unable to fully interact with it.

This is where my pets have been my stand-in social circle. They’re masters of unconditional presence.

Even the smallest act - like your dog following you to the kitchen or your cat curling up on your blanket - triggers a sense of connection.

I still feel useful in a small way, even when my body feels useless.

Social isolation activates the same areas of the brain that process physical pain. It's why the epidemic of loneliness is so worrying to health researchers - it has a tangible negative impact on our mental and physical health.

Pets act as a buffer, impacting those brain circuits and filling the gap left by human absence.

It may not be the same, but it's an important family connection nonetheless.

We all need to be needed in one way or another.

In my darkest moments, the basic routine of daily activities to keep my cats healthy gave structure when the days blurred into one.

I really struggled in those early days of sickness, but took my time to eventually fill feeders and clear litter trays.

Small steps make a difference.

A story of quiet support through delirium

I remember being utterly delirious with the flu in those first few days, feeling miserable, stressed, and burning up in bed.

My cat Poppy, completely unbothered by the drama, appeared and rested on my belly. She didn’t move for hours, purring gently.

It was such a small gesture, but it felt monumental. Her calm presence reminded me I wasn’t alone, and eased my racing mind and anxiety.

Bob has been the same, sitting close to me on the sofa and unwilling to move.

Healing didn’t have to be rushed or productive. Sometimes, just being is enough.

Key takeaways

Pets remind us that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about saying the right thing or fixing the situation.

It’s about showing up - offering warmth, presence, and care in the simplest ways.

If you’re unwell, and lucky enough to have a pet, lean into their natural ability to comfort you in return:

1. Cuddle therapy: Stroking your pet boosts oxytocin for both of you. It’s a win-win.

2. Mindful watching: Observe their behaviour if you're well enough and how they play, nap, or stretch. Pets are masters of living in the moment, and this brings you into the present too.

3. Shared routine: Even small acts, like feeding or brushing your pet, provide structure to your day and a sense of accomplishment.

The next time you’re curled up with a cold or worse and your pet nestles beside you, remember: they’re not just keeping you company.

They’re helping you heal from the inside out.

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If you want your Q1 2025 goals to align to what really matters, join my next free live 60-minute Action Board Masterclass on Friday 10 January at 9pm GMT.

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