Posted February 29, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
It’s estimated more than 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Dogs are the most popular pet, followed closely by cats and freshwater fish.
Owning a pet is a good choice to make — and not just because they’re cute and cuddly. While owning a pet comes with great responsibility, research suggests it can bring a wealth of physical and emotional benefits, too.
“Man’s best friend” increases opportunities to get outdoors, exercise and socialize — three factors that have been shown to ease depression, anxiety and loneliness. The good news is your furry friend doesn’t have to be a dog to enjoy these health benefits. The bond between a person and a cat, rabbit, ferret, horse, bird, reptile, fish or other companion animal is linked to several health benefits.
If you’re a pet owner, you can rejoice! If you’re not, you might think about becoming one. SummaCare offers four ways owning a pet can boost your overall health — perhaps even your quality of life.
Taking a dog for a walk, playing fetch, riding a horse, training a pet, cleaning up a cage or litter box all get your body up and moving. In fact, people with pets (especially dogs) are more likely to hit their daily exercise requirement for a healthy lifestyle: 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Your pet will be rewarded, too, by staying fit and healthy!
Moving your body in any way is good for your health. Exercise is proven to boost your mood, reduce stress, strengthen your heart, reduce blood pressure, help maintain a healthy weight, increase bone strength, improve sleep and more.
Pet companionship brings comfort, promotes emotional connectedness, and can ease loneliness and isolation. Think of it this way: Nothing beats loneliness by coming home to a tail-wagging dog or purring cat.
In addition, pets can lead to more human interactions. Animals are a natural conversation starter, after all. If you are a dog owner, have you noticed on walks that your dog is an invitation for social interaction?
All of these things can lead to lower risks of depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness. In fact, research shows your body releases endorphins during positive social contact, similar to the physical response after a hard workout, which gives a boost of happiness, while reducing stress.
Studies show petting, hugging, scratching your dog’s ears or otherwise physically touching an animal decreases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
What’s more, when you’re interacting with your pet, it forces you to focus on the moment — and is a great distraction from life’s stressors. That’s a good thing because chronic stress can lead to depression and anxiety.
Most pets require a regular feeding and exercise schedule — giving you a reason every morning to get out of bed. Having a routine gives you stability and brings comfort, while keeping you on track to accomplish your daily goals.
What’s more, caring for a pet gives you a sense of purpose, adds meaning to your life and can boost your sense of self-worth. Research also shows there’s a strong connection between feelings of purpose and mental stability.