Having a pet isn’t just about the joy of wagging tails and cozy cuddles—it also can be an investment in your well-being.
According to UNC Health internal medicine doctor Anita Skariah, DO, studies suggest that having a pet improves your physical and mental health.
“Pets give us unconditional love, which results in an increased sense of well-being,” Dr. Skariah says.
A word of caution: Dr. Skariah says that while there is some evidence of the healing power of pets, the data is not yet strong enough to suggest that everyone should get a dog, cat or other animal. Consider your own capacity to take care of an animal for many years and be mindful of anyone in their household with allergies or asthma.
But if you’re ready for the commitment and expense of a pet, here are four health benefits you may enjoy.
1. Pets can help increase physical activity and improve cardiovascular health.
If you own a dog, you may find it easier to meet exercise requirements, particularly if you have an active breed that loves to play. According to the American Heart Association, people with dogs are 34 percent more likely to get 150 minutes of walking per week than people who don’t have dogs.
“When the dog needs a walk, you get those steps in,” Dr. Skariah says. “It’s easier for you to achieve your own targets for physical activity, which ultimately decreases your blood pressure and metabolic parameters like blood glucose and cholesterol.”
Not every pet needs walks like a dog, but all pets have the potential to reduce your stress levels, and stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A 2009 study found a connection between cat ownership and reduced risk of death due to heart attack or stroke. So don’t despair if a hard day at work has you gazing at your fish or talking to your bird—they may be helping you improve your heart health.
2. Pet owners may experience better mood and mental health.
When you’re feeling down, seeing a friend or loved one can brighten your mood. Having someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on may help us through tough times—and that goes for furry friends, too.
“When we pet an animal, it produces happy hormones, like oxytocin and serotonin, in our brain,” Dr. Skariah says. “That act of interaction and hormone release makes you feel good.”
Some studies have found that owning a pet can lower your risk for anxiety and depression. But other studies have shown no effect or a negative effect, according to a 2021 review. Pets can cause us sadness, particularly when they get sick or die, so consider time with an animal as just one part of your mental health care.
3. Pets give new opportunities for social connection.
In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, called loneliness, isolation and lack of connection a “public health crisis,” noting physical consequences such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and premature death, as well as mental health effects, including depression and anxiety.
Here’s another place where our pets can help. Not only do pets provide companionship, which can offset loneliness, but they provide a natural point of connection to other people.
“Animals can be bridges between humans,” Dr. Skariah says. “When you walk your pet or go to the dog park, it may spark a conversation or connection with other pet owners you encounter.”
While dogs may get us out of the house most, your love and appreciation for any animal can lead you to like-minded people. If you ask at your local pet store or search online, you may find meetups or conventions related to reptiles, birds or rabbits. You may not have the budget or space to own a horse, but riding at a local facility could introduce you to other equine enthusiasts. Volunteering at shelters or wildlife rescues will help you meet new people (and creatures).
4. Pet ownership can bring renewed purpose.
Many families get a pet to teach children a sense of responsibility, but pets can play an important role at the other end of life as well.
“When an older adult’s day-to-day has changed after retirement or because of an empty nest, a pet can provide a sense of purpose,” Dr. Skariah says. “When we feel needed and share love with an animal, it strengthens a component of our identity.”
That sense of purpose can improve your physical health: According to research published in 2020, adults over the age of 50 with a higher sense of purpose had a lower likelihood of becoming physically inactive or developing sleep problems.
While pets can provide great company once the kids are grown, it’s important to consider whether you have the budget and mobility to care for an animal. Dr. Skariah says that she has seen people on fixed incomes deny their own needs to give their animals the best food and care.
But one of the best lessons a pet can teach us is to take care of ourselves as well as we take care of them; if you insist on nutritious food, adequate exercise and regular checkups for your pet, you should try to do the same for yourself. Then you can be healthy enough to care for your beloved animal for as long as possible.
If you’re looking for more ways to improve your health, talk to your doctor. If you need a doctor, find one near you.The post 4 Ways Your Pet Helps Your Health first appeared on UNC Health Talk.
