Two Paws Up: How Pets Can Improve Your Life

by Brent Hearn •

For many, pet ownership is more than a checkbox in a dating app; it’s an important aspect of their personality. There are cat people and there are dog people. There are “exotic animal” people and “anything with fur, feathers, or scales that’s not a human child” people. And, of course, there are the “no thanks, I prefer my expensive carpet unsullied by hairballs” people. Whether to own a pet, what kind of pet to own, how many pets to own, and how integral pets are to one’s life are key data points in how many of us express our identity.

There are numerous factors people consider when it comes to pet ownership, but one that many overlook is the positive impact it can have on their health. Being an animal’s person can bring with it a number of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Note: We’ll go ahead and get the disclaimer part out of the way here:

Yes, there are risks of pet ownership as well, particularly for those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or who suffer from allergies. Those are considerations outside the scope of this article.
Some studies have shown negative repercussions of pet ownership. (In short, apply these recommendations within the parameters applicable to you and your particular circumstances. Pets shouldn’t be viewed as medicine.)

Physical Benefits

We all know that exercise is beneficial, and pet ownership—dog ownership in particular—provides plenty of opportunities for physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), walking and playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Even less strenuous pet-related tasks can help increase activity levels. (Pet food must be lifted, food bowls need to be refilled, and litter has to be changed.)

Owning a dog may even help with disease resistance. Petting your canine companion can increase levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody responsible for improving the immune system. (As if you didn’t already have enough reasons to wub on your fuzzy-wuzzy snuggle lumpkins.)

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Owning a pet may cause a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in the feel-good hormone dopamine. In other words—and to no surprise of many pet owners—your pet can make you happier and more positive.

For dog owners, the accompanying walks and dog park visits can spark conversations with other dog owners. You might not have had “contributes to meaningful social interactions” at the top of your list of reasons to get a dog, but that’s okay—consider it a bonus.

Some studies have found that having animals around can improve symptoms among those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of pet ownership is one that we understand instinctively: having a companion—even one who can’t discuss the last episode of the latest show that everyone’s streaming—beats the heck out of feeling lonely.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/how.html

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/20/health/benefits-of-having-a-pet-wellness/index.html

https://www.prevention.com/life/a20445208/the-healing-power-of-pets/#:~:text=On%20a%20chemical%20level%2C%20owning,be%20happier%20and%20more%20positive.

https://www.prevention.com/life/a20431479/health-benefits-of-owning-a-pet/

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/health-benefits-of-pet-ownership.html