Pets and Mental Wellness: Dr Abel Gonzalez Of Dutch On How to Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Quality Time: Spending quality time with your pet through play, training, and cuddles can strengthen your bond and boost your mood.
Pets have always been more than just companions; they play a pivotal role in enhancing our mental well-being. From the unconditional love of a dog to the calming presence of a cat, pets have a unique way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness. But how do we truly harness the therapeutic potential of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends? How can they aid in promoting mindfulness, reducing depression, or even enhancing social interactions? In this interview series, we are talking to veterinarians, psychologists, therapists, pet trainers, and other experts who can shed light on how to maximize the mental health benefits of having a pet. As a part of this series, we ask that you answer the following questions to be included.
Dr. Abel Gonzalez is a veterinarian and the Clinical Director at Dutch — the leading pet telehealth company. Dr. Gonzalez has over 15 years of experience and is passionate about the evolution of veterinary medicine. He believes that wellness encompasses not only the pets but their families, the doctor, the team, and the community. Through his work he aims to enrich the human-animal bond through education on prevention and responsible pet parenting.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with you. I graduated from UC Davis in 2009, but my story really begins when my family immigrated from Mexico to the United States when I was 5 years old. Growing up in a bilingual household has given me the ability to connect with a wider range of pet parents, speaking fluently in both English and Spanish. From an early age, around the 3rd grade, I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. This passion was influenced by the diverse range of pets I grew up with, from Chihuahuas and Doxies to Great Danes. My childhood experiences have greatly shaped my approach to veterinary care, emphasizing preventive measures, client education, and building strong, trusting partnerships with pet parents.
After nearly a decade working in pet hospitals, I am now the Clinical Director at Dutch — the leading pet telehealth company. Providing virtual veterinary care with Dutch has allowed me to invest more time into teaching pet parents the basics of being a responsible animal owner, which in turn puts less stress on animal hospitals and in-person clinics. Being able to educate pet parents from the comfort of their own home, while the pet isn’t stressed, is a really rewarding part of my job. I am happy to be able to empower pet owners to feel confident that they are providing the right kind of care to their beloved pets.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Since starting my career, I’ve had countless memorable experiences, but one story that stands out involves a diabetic black lab named Luke. Initially a patient of mine, Luke’s journey with diabetes allowed me to educate his family on managing this condition and the importance of a strong human-animal bond. Eventually, Luke became a part of my own family, and he’s been a constant reminder of why I chose this profession — to make a difference in the lives of pets and their parents.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
A book that has had a profound effect on me is Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Frankl’s experiences and insights into finding purpose and meaning in all forms of existence, even the most brutal ones, have influenced my understanding of resilience, both in myself and in the pet parents I advise. His philosophy that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose resonates deeply with me. It parallels the journey many pet parents go through when dealing with a pet’s illness or behavioral issues — finding meaning in the challenge and using it as a catalyst for personal growth and deeper bonding with their pets.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story about how a pet has helped you or someone you know to improve mental wellness?
I’ve personally experienced the mental wellness benefits of having pets through my own furry family members, Daisy, Zelda, and Luke. They’ve provided unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of purpose, contributing positively to my emotional well-being, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
While human interaction is essential for emotional well-being, in what ways do interactions with pets offer unique benefits that human relationships might not provide?
Having a pet can offer a unique type of companionship. The non-judgmental and unconditional love from a pet can create a safe space for individuals to express themselves. Pets have been shown to lower stress levels, reduce feelings of loneliness, and boost mood. The act of petting a dog or cat can increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone that enhances feelings of bonding and reduces stress.
Can you explain how this works? How do pets, particularly common ones like dogs and cats, biologically and psychologically help to alleviate human stress levels and anxieties?
Pets really do have a remarkable ability to alleviate stress and anxiety in humans. Biologically, interacting with a pet can trigger the release of various neurotransmitters in the brain:
Oxytocin: Often referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” this is released during positive social bonding experiences, like when petting or playing with a dog or cat. Oxytocin has a calming effect and can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body.
Serotonin and Dopamine: These are “feel-good” neurotransmitters that are released during pleasurable activities. They are part of the reward circuitry in the brain and can be stimulated by interactions with pets, enhancing mood and creating feelings of happiness.
Psychologically, pets can provide companionship that may reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. They offer a non-judgmental presence and unconditional love, which can be particularly comforting. Having a pet can also provide:
A Sense of Purpose: Caring for an animal can give owners a daily routine and an increased sense of responsibility, which can create meaning and motivate individuals to engage in healthier behaviors.
Distraction: Pets can distract their owners from stressors and negative thoughts. This diversion can be a form of mindful relaxation, focusing the mind on the present and breaking cycles of rumination.
Socially, pets can act as social lubricants, easing interactions among people. They are common ground for conversations and can enhance social connectivity, whether you’re out for a walk with your dog or sharing photos of your cat online. These social interactions can further improve mood and feelings of belonging.
Moreover, the physical activity involved in taking care of pets, especially walking dogs, contributes to the reduction of stress and anxiety. Exercise is known to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
Therapeutically, animals are increasingly incorporated into treatment programs for a range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and autism. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in various patient populations and settings.
In essence, the human-animal bond creates a unique set of emotions that can foster emotional, psychological, and physical well-being, helping to manage stress and reduce feelings of anxiety.
In the backdrop of global events like pandemics or natural disasters, how have you seen pets playing a role in alleviating anxiety and providing comfort? Can you share some instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices? How do they complement traditional therapeutic techniques?
During global events like pandemics or natural disasters, pets have played a crucial role in providing comfort and alleviating anxiety. They offer a consistent presence and routine that can be grounding for individuals. There have been instances where pets are integrated into therapeutic practices, such as animal-assisted therapy, complementing traditional techniques by providing emotional support and encouraging social interaction.
Not all pets are dogs or cats. From birds to fish to reptiles, how can individuals choose the right pet that aligns with their mental health needs?
Choosing the right pet is essential, and it depends on an individual’s lifestyle and mental health needs. For those seeking companionship, a social animal like a dog or cat might be suitable. For individuals looking for a low-maintenance pet that provides a calming presence, fish or reptiles might be a better fit. The key is to understand the responsibilities and benefits of each type of pet to make an informed decision.
How does the act of taking care of a pet — feeding, grooming, exercising — contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being?
The routine of feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet provides structure and a sense of accomplishment that can help support a pet owner’s sense of purpose. On top of that, the physical activity involved in pet care, especially with dogs, can enhance mood and reduce stress.
The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are your “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet?” Can you please share a story or example for each?
1 . Routine Care: Establishing a routine for your pet, including regular veterinary check-ups, can help detect health issues early, ensuring they live a healthy, happy life.
2 . Quality Time: Spending quality time with your pet through play, training, and cuddles can strengthen your bond and boost your mood.
3 . Outdoor Activities: Engaging in outdoor activities with your pet, like walking or hiking, will allow you to reap the benefits of exercise and nature for both your pet’s mental well-being and your own.
4 . Social Interaction: Using your pet as a social catalyst to engage with other pet parents, can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
5 . Mindful Moments: Practicing mindfulness with your pet, enjoying moments of calm and connection, can help reduce stress and increase feelings of contentment.
The loss of a pet can be deeply traumatic. How can individuals navigate this grief, and how does it compare to other forms of loss in terms of mental health impact?
After the loss of a pet, it’s important to allow yourself time to grieve. The grief experienced can be as intense as losing a human loved one, and seeking support from friends, family, or a professional can be beneficial. Creating a memorial or finding a way to honor your pet’s memory can also aid in the healing process.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of peace to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
If I could inspire a movement, it would be to increase awareness and access to preventive veterinary care. Educating pet parents on the importance of regular check-ups, preventive measures, and the responsibilities of pet ownership can lead to healthier pets, more informed pet parents, and a stronger human-animal bond.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
I would be honored to have a private breakfast or lunch with Beyoncé. Her influence transcends music and entertainment, touching on social issues and empowerment. With her platform, she could be a powerful voice in advocating for animal welfare and the human-animal bond, which is essential for mental health and community building. Her passion and creativity could inspire new ways to communicate the importance of preventive care and compassionate stewardship of pets.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers interested in keeping up with my work and insights can follow me on Instagram at @hellodutch. There, I share regular updates, educational content, and snippets of my life as a veterinarian and a pet parent, aiming to foster a community where we can all learn and grow together in our journey with our pets.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Thank you for this opportunity to share my insights and experiences. I am committed to the well-being of pets and their parents, and I believe that through education, preventive care, and strong partnerships, we can all enjoy the immense benefits that come with being a pet parent.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
