According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. Pets are a big part of our lives, and we often consider them to be part of our family. Nothing compares to coming home to a loyal companion – especially when you’re met with unconditional love that only a pet can offer.
But did you know that owning a pet can have amazing benefits for your physical and mental health? Interacting with animals has been shown to promote all kinds of wellness. Let’s look at some of the advantages.
Health Benefits of Pets
Physical Health
Caring for animals has been shown to lower stress by reducing levels of Cortisol. Cortisol is a powerful stress hormone that can lead to weight gain and wreak havoc on the body in many others ways. Pets can also help lower blood pressure and reduce our risk for hypertension and heart problems. In 2013, the American Heart Association released a scientific statement associating pet ownership with reduced heart disease risk factors and greater longevity.
Pets can also keep you active. Dogs need to be exercised and engaged regularly, so taking your dog on walks and playing with them in the yard is good for both of you. A 2019 article by the New York Times even suggested that dog owners are about four times more likely than other people to meet today’s physical activity guidelines.
Mental health
Our relationship with our pets is also good for easing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and low mood. Spending time with a beloved animal can be a source of comfort and support. Many of us look to our pets when we need a pick-me-up or we just want to be in the company of another living being that we can connect with.
Pets also teach us lessons in compassion, responsibility, mindfulness and awareness. All of these are important to mental and physical health, even if we don’t recognize it at the time. Caring for a pet can inspire us to take better care of ourselves.
Other Things to Consider
If you own a pet, think about how you can enrich your relationship to benefit both of you. This can mean going on more walks, re-thinking nutrition and how often you take them to the vet, or simply appreciating their presence more.
Pets of all kinds can help us manage our health – whether it’s a dog, cat, fish, hamster or reptile. It depends on the individual and what they need from their pet (or what the pet needs from them!). Above all, however, remember that pets are a big responsibility. If we want to keep them around for as long as possible, we owe it to our pets to give them the best care possible for their total wellbeing. Isn’t that what we want for ourselves, too?
