Most pet owners know the joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals, but did you know that owning a pet has many health benefits? Studies have begun to explore the health benefits of the human-animal bond, and the findings are compelling. This is especially good to know as many of us welcomed pets into our home during the pandemic to help reduce anxiety, encourage exercise and gain companionship.
In recognition of National Pet Day, I want to highlight the physical and mood-boosting benefits of pet ownership and share how my pet, a miniature bernadoodle named Bosco, helps me live a happier, healthier life.
The Physical Benefits
Pet ownership comes with an array of physical health benefits. Owning a dog is associated with the most physical benefits: Canines can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside and socialize. But whether you choose a dog, cat, rabbit or any other animal, the physical and mental health benefits can be tremendous:
- Owning a dog has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. We know regular exercise helps ward off cardiovascular conditions. Walking a dog helps you reach your goal of 150 minutes of exercise per week. I walk Bosco three times a day: when I wake up, before dinner and before bed. The walks aren't long, but they are enough to get my heart rate up and for me to reap cardiovascular benefits.
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It also combats the buildup of triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood that can lead to weight gain. There are plenty of ways to get moving with your pet. Take your dog for a hike, a swim in a nearby lake, or maybe try your hand at pet yoga.
- Pet owners have a lower risk of obesity. Pets may strengthen engagement in a weight loss program by providing encouragement and motivation. Owning a dog, for example, encourages a daily walking routine and offers opportunities for people to socialize with other dog owners. This benefit may extend to children as well, as research found that the odds of being overweight or obese were lower for any young children who lived in a dog-owning household. My children love walking Bosco with my wife and me before dinner, and it's a great way to spend time with family while also being active.
- Dog owners fare better after a heart attack or stroke. Researchers found that dog ownership was associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of death from any cause among the general public, and a 33 percent lower risk of death among heart attack survivors who live alone. Loneliness and sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poorer outcomes after a major cardiovascular event, so having a canine companion may help.
The Mood-Boosting Benefits
Did you know the brain goes through the same chemical changes when you form a bond with your kids as you do with your pet? While the bond with your child is stronger than with your pet, your brain still releases neurotransmitters like serotonin (the "happy hormone"), dopamine (the "pleasure hormone") and oxytocin (the "love hormone") when you interact with your pet.
Pets can also:- Provide companionship. Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression and increase your risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and more. Caring for an animal can help make you feel needed and wanted and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets; some even use them to work through their troubles. And nothing beats loneliness better than coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat.
- Reduce anxiety. The companionship of an animal can offer comfort, help ease anxiety and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world. Because pets tend to live in the moment, they can help you become more mindful and appreciate the joy of the present. Bosco helped my daughter overcome her fear of dogs and reduced anxiety in all of our lives, particularly during the pandemic.
- Provide sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Stroking a dog, cat, or other animal can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed. After a long day at work, I love to snuggle up with Bosco and take deep breaths to unwind.
Picking Your Pet
A pet doesn't necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. A rabbit could be ideal if you have limited space but still want a furry friend to snuggle with. Birds can encourage social interaction and help keep your mind sharp if you're an older adult. Snakes, lizards, and other reptiles can be fun exotic companions. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower your heart rate.
Before adopting a new pet, make sure that it is the right one for you and your family. Do some research beforehand about the specific needs of the animal. Ask yourself questions like, "How long will this animal live?", "How much will veterinary care cost?" and "Do I have enough time and financial stability to properly care for the pet?"
It's also important to consider allergies. While there is no dog or cat breed that is completely hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that are better for allergy sufferers. Bosco, for example, is part poodle, which means he has hair instead of fur. This helps reduce allergens around the house. If you suffer from severe allergies, you may be better suited to welcome a bird, fish or lizard into your home.
Some people are at higher risk for diseases that animals can carry. Children younger than 5 years old, people with weakened immune systems and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get diseases spread between animals and people (also known as zoonotic diseases). Pregnant women are also at a higher risk for certain animal-related diseases.
Generally, I would steer clear of amphibious or reptilian animals if you know someone in your family is at a higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases. These animals are more likely to spread harmful germs to humans than furry mammals.
Pregnant women should avoid cleaning a cat's litter box. Cats can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.,a disease that can cause birth defects. The parasite can show up in a cat's feces. Pregnant women should also avoid rodents to prevent exposure to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which can also cause birth defects. If you're pregnant and have a pet rodent, avoid direct contact and have someone else clean its habitat.
The Joy a Pet Can Bring
We could never have imagined how much joy a pet could bring to our lives when we welcomed Bosco into our lives earlier this year. Nothing compares to the feeling of coming home to a loyal companion with a wagging tail.
I encourage all my patients to research the benefits of pet ownership and see if there is pet that's right for them.