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10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet: Vet-Approved Facts

Written by: Genevieve Dugal

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Genevieve Dugal

10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet: Vet-Approved Facts

VET APPROVED

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca

Veterinarian, BVSC GPCERT (OPHTHAL) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

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.

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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 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2, some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Decreased cholesterol levels
  • Decreased triglyceride levels

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 that had been exposed to pets before birth. This means that 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 would be less prone to develop allergies later in life in a dose-dependent fashion.3 This means that the higher the number of dogs and cats living with a child for their first year of life, the less allergic manifestations. 

white dog in the park_
Image Credit: Piqsels

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.

adopting a pet
Image Credit: Piqsels

5. They Create Social Ties

Having a dog would increase the chances of forming new bonds with your neighbors and fostering potential romantic encounters. As a bonus: people in a couple are less prone to illnesses than singles, making your pooch a real asset for staying healthy.

Children with pets also benefit from the social aspect that their animal brings to them: they would indeed bond more easily with other children or adults. The animal helps the child to 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.

Also, it appears, although not yet proven, that cat owners would exercise more than others. The main reason? The cat, by their behavior, would communicate their energy to us and give us more motivation to exercise!

Interacting with animals has been proven to be beneficial for people with eating disorders.

walking with dog
Image Credit: Piqsels

7. They Help Teens Get Through Tough Times

Teenage years are never an easy time. Many parents are helpless in front of their teenagers, who sometimes have incomprehensible or withdrawn behavior. The pet is recognized as a structuring element of the personality of young people. 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 that 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.

adopting a cat
Image By: Piqsels

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 more, and more sought after in retirement homes or specialized centers (Alzheimer’s, autism, etc.) and gives rise 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 both mental and physical health problems. 

pet owner and his dog in the park
Image By: Piqsels

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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 to come, 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 that 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.

metal dog food bowl
Image Credit: Alkhaine, Pixabay

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 will need to consider having someone you trust, or better yet, a pet sitter, 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 home alone for long periods is definitely not a good idea.

So, you have to think about what kind of companion is suitable for your lifestyle. For example, if you prefer more independent pets, adopting a dog may not be the best option for you. Although some are more independent than others, dogs are animals that need their pack, in this case, you! If you can take some 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 where to put their cage will, of course, 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? Do you have access to 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? All of these questions are essential in determining the best companion to suit your lifestyle and personality.

funny cats playing on tree
Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

Any pet owner will tell you: 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 is suitable for your needs, prepare to reap the many benefits that your precious furry, feathered, or scaled companion will provide you for many years to come!


Featured Image Credit: Piqsels

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