Pets have an exceptional knack for bringing happiness into our lives. Having a cat or a dog as a companion has countless benefits. They not only boost our mood and combat feelings of solitude but also have profound effects on our physical and mental health. In partnership with Dogs for Good, we have assembled a catalogue of 10 perks that come with pet ownership.
A crucial advantage of owning a pet lies in the boon it brings to our health. Pets motivate us to be more physically active, relish time in the great outdoors and cultivate social relationships. Regular strolls or playful activities with our fluffy friends can result in reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Moreover, the priceless companionship pets offer can be a powerful tool in combating feelings of isolation and depression. It’s hardly a shock to learn that the majority of US homes are graced by at least one beloved pet.
Multiple studies have consistently confirmed the existence of a robust bond between humans and their pets, leading to several health improvements. These health perks encompass reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as diminished feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Besides, being a pet parent promotes more exercise and outdoor adventures, improves cognitive performance among older adults, and stimulates broader socialisation. Below are the list of 10 benefits of owning a pet.
Table of Contents
1. Pets assist in boosting your social engagement
Owning a dog doesn’t just provide a reason to step outside, it also acts as an ice breaker for initiating chats with others. Moreover, it’s valuable to expose your canine companion to various scenarios, individuals, and locations.
Did you realise that 69% of dog parents interact socially more than those without a pet? During Mental Health Week 2022, we conducted an experiment in conjunction with Dogs for Good and TV personality Lorraine Kelly. This was to highlight the impressive mental health benefits dogs bring, such as providing companionship and warding off feelings of solitude.
2. Pets contribute to your physical fitness
Unsurprisingly, having a dog tends to enhance your energy levels and keep you physically active.
Dog ownership has been linked with a likely decrease in cardiovascular risk*, as well as an improved stress response. You don’t need to embark on lengthy hikes either. Simple activities such as playing in your backyard or a game of fetch at a local park can contribute to achieving your daily exercise goals, while ensuring your canine companion remains fit and content.
Working out with your pet can even fortify the bond between the two of you. If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your home, combining exercise with their training can be beneficial. Moreover, it aids in utilising some of their abundant energy.
Whether it’s walking, jogging, hiking, or even swimming, any kind of physical activity is certain to enhance your health and fitness levels. Explore your local trails, beaches, and woods to find the perfect routes for you and your four-legged friend.
The Facts: Pets and Physical Health
A 2005 Michigan Behavioural Risk Factor Survey suggested that approximately 60% of dog walkers satisfied the requirements for regular moderate and/or vigorous leisure-time physical activity. This compares to roughly 45% of non-dog owners and dog owners who didn’t walk their pets.
In a study involving adults over 50 with slightly elevated blood pressure, the presence of a pet dog or cat had a significant influence on blood pressure readings. Dog ownership correlated with lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure in comparison to individuals without pets.
Research involving over 2,400 cat owners found a considerably lower relative risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack, compared to non-owners over a 20-year follow-up period.
3. Pets aid in alleviating stress and anxiety
Interacting with a pet can have a significant positive effect on our mental health, and studies reveal that petting a dog can help reduce stress levels*. Pets accompany us through major life changes as well as everyday ups and downs.
Integrating pets or therapy animals into healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes can aid in diminishing depression and anxiety amongst the elderly. They can also play a role in patient recovery and offer company when it is most needed.
Our resident vet, Martin, shares, “I believe every pet owner can resonate with the soothing influence and joy that a cuddle or a play session with our furry friends bring after a challenging day”.
The Facts: Pets and Mental Health
A study by HABRI in 2016 investigated the role pets play in the social networks of individuals managing a long-term mental health issue.
Pets were discovered to foster a stronger sense of self-identity in their owners who were grappling with mental health conditions, including diminishing negative perceptions associated with a mental health diagnosis.
Pets offered a sense of security and routine in their relationships, thereby encouraging stable cognition.
Pets provide a diversion from distressing symptoms like auditory hallucinations, suicidal ideation, and rumination. They also promote routine and physical activity for those who care for them.
4. Pets bring happiness
In simple terms, our pets have the power to elevate our spirits and instil happiness in us, especially during challenging or stressful periods.
From their cosy cuddles to the countless rounds of fetch, our pets undoubtedly keep us lively and engaged. More importantly, they offer a relationship and connection that is truly unparalleled.
5. Pets can be of immense help to individuals with disabilities
Dogs serve as splendid companions for individuals with learning and physical disabilities.
Assistance dogs are employed to aid individuals with disabilities in managing daily tasks, both within their homes and while out in the community.
Take a look at this touching account from our colleagues at Dogs for Good, where you can discover more about Simon’s motivating journey with his assistance dog, Axel.
For children on the autism spectrum, the presence of an assistance or family dog can be extraordinarily advantageous. The real-life narrative of Joel and Caddie underscores the positive influence an autism assistance dog can have on an entire family.
6. Pets can assist in children’s learning process
Whether you have toddlers or teens, pets make exceptional companions and often witness crucial milestones as your children mature.
Pets can help instil fundamental life skills in children, from assuming responsibilities to establishing daily routines. They can even aid in children’s learning within an educational setting.
Children can actively participate in training a new pet, which can enhance their understanding of various behaviours. This includes learning about rewards for positive actions and how their actions can impact others.
7. Pets aid in crisis management
Beyond their everyday role in promoting our health and happiness, our pets can significantly assist us during a crisis or personal trauma such as a loss.
Everyone experiences rough patches, but regardless of the situation, our four-legged friends are always there to provide comfort. In fact, studies have demonstrated that service dogs are notably effective in helping manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
8. New pets can provide excellent companionship for an older one
If you have an older pet and are considering introducing a puppy or kitten to keep them company, this can be highly beneficial for your new pet’s socialisation. Having an older dog around could significantly boost your new pup’s confidence.
Puppies are likely to observe and mimic behaviours from other dogs, which can be advantageous during training. The presence of a puppy might also help keep your older dog stimulated and active.
However, it’s crucial to introduce a new, younger pet to your older one gradually, as there are bound to be differences in their behaviour.
The Facts: Pets and Aging
A study involving older adults living alone suggested that having a pet could serve as a shield against feelings of loneliness.
A year-long study that investigated the effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) on patients suffering from chronic pain found that post-AAT, patients reported less pain, discomfort, and stress. Furthermore, the stress among the nursing staff decreased significantly after the AAT.
A study involving older adults with mental health conditions living in long-term care facilities found that AAT reduced symptoms of depression and enhanced cognitive function.
9. Pets are excellent companions against loneliness
Studies indicate that 80% of pet parents claim their pets make them feel less isolated.
Having a pet at home or accompanying us during outdoor activities can foster a sense of security and reduce feelings of loneliness. This is particularly true in certain situations like venturing out after sunset, exploring unfamiliar areas, or simply providing a comforting presence to talk to and share moments with.
Research undertaken during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic revealed that a significant number of pet owners considered their animals a key source of emotional support.
10. Combatting Allergies
The conventional belief was that children in pet-owning families were more likely to develop pet allergies. Further, it was advised that families predisposed to allergies should avoid pets,” states researcher James E. Gern, MD, a paediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Nevertheless, an increasing body of research suggests that children growing up in homes with ‘furred animals’, be it a pet cat or dog, or even on a farm with exposure to large animals, face a reduced risk of allergies and asthma.
In a recent study, Gern examined the blood of newborns immediately after birth and again a year later. He was looking for signs of allergic reactions, changes in immunity, and reactions to bacteria present in the environment.
Infants living in a household with a dog were less likely to exhibit signs of pet allergies — 19% vs. 33%. Additionally, they were less likely to suffer from eczema, a common allergic skin condition that results in red, itchy patches. They also displayed higher levels of certain immune system chemicals, indicating stronger immune system activation.
“Dogs are exposed to a lot of dirt and allergens, and this suggests that babies with more exposure to dirt and allergens have a more robust immune system,” Gern explains.
Conclusion
In essence, pets enrich our lives in myriad ways. They not only serve as faithful companions but also positively influence our health and well-being. From providing a boost to our physical fitness and mental health to aiding in child development and even battling allergies, pets truly offer numerous benefits. For people living alone or those with disabilities, pets can be particularly beneficial, serving as a reliable source of comfort, companionship, and assistance. Even in challenging times, pets remain steadfastly by our side, offering unwavering support. For families contemplating adding a new, young pet to their home, the potential for enhancing the life of an older pet and introducing dynamic new interactions should not be overlooked. In short, the presence of pets in our lives can indeed be a significant source of joy, companionship, and wellness, reinforcing the saying that pets are indeed a man’s best friend.
FAQs:
Q: How do pets help in increasing social interactions?
A: Pets, especially dogs, can help initiate conversations with others, enhancing social interactions. Walking a dog or engaging in pet-related activities also offers opportunities to interact with fellow pet lovers.
Q: Can pets actually help combat loneliness?
A: Yes, the companionship of pets has been found to significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness. They offer a sense of comfort and company that can be very reassuring.
Q: How does owning a pet contribute to physical fitness?
A: Pets, particularly dogs, necessitate physical activities like walks and play sessions. Regular involvement in these activities can contribute to improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness levels.
Q: How can pets help children in their learning process?
A: Pets can aid in teaching children essential life skills, such as responsibility and routine. Children can also learn about different behaviours and the impact of their actions through their interaction with pets.
Q: Can having pets help in dealing with allergies?
A: Contrary to previous beliefs, recent studies suggest that children growing up in households with pets are less likely to develop allergies. This is possibly due to increased exposure to dirt and allergens, leading to a more robust immune system.
