10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet: Vet-Approved Facts
Whether you have a cat, dog, bird, gerbil, chameleon, or hedgehog as a pet, you already know all the joy and comfort that your companions bring you on a daily basis. But did you know that there are also many scientifically proven benefits of owning a pet? Discover the top 10 health benefits (and also the few drawbacks) that your warm- or cold-blooded animals can provide you.
The 10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
1. They Improve Our Cardiovascular Health
Our animals bring us a lot of pleasure and joy daily, but it turns out that they are also powerful allies for our health. According to several scientific studies1, pet owners suffer from fewer health problems than those who do not have pets at home. Less high blood pressure, less cholesterol, and fewer cardiovascular problems are just a few of the surprising benefits of having a pet. Indeed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2, some of the health benefits of having a pet include:
2. They Protect Children from Getting Sick
Living with a dog during your pregnancy could have a positive influence on your child’s immune system later in life. The levels of a type of antibody (immunoglobulin E) responsible for triggering allergies were considerably lower in children who had been exposed to pets before birth. This means these children were less likely to develop conditions such as asthma, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis.
A 2018 study proved that infants living with companion dogs and cats are less prone to develop allergies later in life in a dose-dependent fashion.3
3. They Promote the Psychological Development of Kids
Animals not only affect the health of children, but they also play a significant role in their psychomotor and emotional development. Owning a pet helps toddlers develop compassion and a sense of responsibility. Taking care of an animal, feeding them, walking them, petting them, and giving them affection allows children to increase their self-confidence.
The animal can be their confidant, playmate, and protector at the same time. Plus, having a pet helps soothe and calm the little ones. Owning a pet, therefore, has a stabilizing effect on their emotional development.
4. They Watch Over Our Heart
In general, petting a cat, dog, or any other furry animal gives us a feeling of well-being and immediately calms us; breathing slows down, blood pressure drops, and heart rate drops, which significantly protects our cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of developing a disease.
5. They Create Social Ties
Having a dog can increase the chances of forming new bonds with your neighbors and fostering potential romantic encounters. As a bonus, couples are less prone to illnesses than singles, making your pup a real asset for staying healthy.
Children with pets also benefit from the social aspect that their animal brings to them. The animal helps the child interact and form strong bonds, hence their positive influence on some autistic children.
6. They Help Keep Us Fit
Dog owners walk an average of 30 minutes more per week than people who don't. So walking your dog 20 minutes a day, five days a week, could help you lose 6 pounds in a year. Interacting with animals has also been proven to be beneficial for people with eating disorders.
7. They Help Teens Get Through Tough Times
Teenage years are never easy. Many parents feel helpless in front of their teenagers, who sometimes have incomprehensible or withdrawn behavior. If the teen does not wish to confide in an adult, they will always find a comforting "ear" in their pet.
Additionally, one study found that teens with pets exercise more than others.
8. They Soothe Us
Interactions with our beloved companions increase oxytocin levels and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. For example, cat owners believe cat purring can be more effective than medication. This calming effect can be explained scientifically: the over-the-air frequency of purring is said to have a calming effect, much like music, which gave rise to music therapy. It is, therefore, natural that purring therapy was born thanks to a veterinarian, Jean-Yves Gauchet.
Likewise, looking at an aquarium has an immediate calming effect, hence their presence in public places and especially in hospitals.
9. They Help Fight Depression
A pet is an undeniable psychological support. They prevent isolation and withdrawal. An animal that sees their owner depressed will come and pick them up with a toy and still ask for their daily release.
Being responsible for a living being can be extremely rewarding for the individual suffering from depression; indeed, thinking that "if I'm not there, who will take care of my animal" can help find more meaning in life during darker times.
In addition, it was noted that the level of anxiety and depression was lower in people over 65 years of age with pets.
10. They Extend Our Life Expectancy and Help Us Heal
Animals help the sick to heal and the elderly to feel better. Their presence is thus increasingly sought after in retirement homes or specialized centers (Alzheimer’s, autism, etc.), which has led to the emergence of a new therapy: animal-assisted therapy.
Animal-assisted therapy is a complementary treatment used across long-term care, school, and hospital settings. It consists of the “utilization of animals as a therapeutic modality to facilitate healing and rehabilitation of patients with acute or chronic disease.” There are many types of animal-assisted therapy, and it is highly beneficial for mental and physical health problems.
What Are the Downsides of Having a Pet?
While the pros of owning a pet may outweigh the cons, there are a few things you should consider before deciding to bring a pet into your home. After all, your companion will be a part of your family for many years, so it's crucial to think about it upfront.
1. They Can Be Expensive to Maintain
Adopting a pet also comes with additional expenses. Between the cost of the adoption, the necessary accessories for their well-being, food, vet fees, pet insurance, and other additional costs, having a pet invariably means you will have a little less money in your pocket. For this reason, it is important to budget and to think about these kinds of questions before adopting a pet. Although tedious, these calculations are essential because your budget could determine whether or not you can provide your pet with a good quality of life.
2. They Can Be Time-Consuming
Sometimes, having animals is just as demanding as having children. You can no longer leave the house on a whim; you must consider having someone you trust come to your home to look after your pets if you are going on vacation. Besides, one more downside may arise depending on your lifestyle and personality. For example, if you spend a lot of time outside your home because of your job, leaving your pet alone for long periods is not a good idea.
So, you have to consider what kind of companion suits your lifestyle. For example, if you prefer more independent pets, adopting a dog may not be your best option. Although some are more independent than others, dogs are animals that need their pack! If you can take time out each day to play and spend time with your dog, great! But if that is not possible, choose another pet whose care is not as demanding.
3. They Need Space and a Proper Habitat
Another critical aspect to consider when deciding to adopt a pet is the space available in our house. If you want, for example, a hamster, a small area to put their cage will be sufficient. But have you thought about where you will place it? For example, if it's in your bedroom, the sound of your hamster running around all night on their wheel could drive you crazy. And placing them in the living room might make them stressed out from the continual movement.
Do you have access to sufficient space for the size and breed you want when it comes to the dog? Can you access a garden or a large park near your home? Will the dog be able to stretch their paws and run as they please? What if you live in an apartment? These questions are essential in determining the best companion to suit your lifestyle and personality.
Final Thoughts
Any pet owner will tell you that life with your four-legged friend is smoother, more fulfilling, less stressful, and more stimulating. As a bonus, they help you stay in shape and make you less likely to get sick. They are much like anti-depressants but without the side effects that come with the medication. So, if you've done your homework and decided which pet suits your needs, prepare to reap the many benefits your precious furry, feathered, or scaled companion will provide you for many years to come!
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
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A biologist and science writer, Genevieve has a special fondness for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos, which has inspired her to volunteer and work at wildlife rehabilitation centers in countries like Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. Now living as a Canadian expat in Argentina, she enjoys the sight of horses and cows outside her home office window every morning. Genevieve is the proud owner of three rescue dogs—Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi—and a lively kitten named Furiosa. She finds happiness and fulfillment in sharing her passion and extensive knowledge of animals with others.
