Feeling stressed, anxious or looking to improve your overall health? Well you might want to get a pet – experts reveal 7 reasons pets are good for your health
Are you feeling stressed, anxious or, perhaps you just want to improve your fitness levels and overall wellbeing?
The latest research shows that spending time with your beloved pets can have a positive impact on our health.
With 57 per cent of households in the UK containing at least one pet, ranging from cats and dogs to more exotic species such as lizards, turtles and snakes – quite plainly we’re a nation of animal lovers.
In fact, there are currently 38 million pets in Britain, with 36 per cent of households owning a dog (13.5 million) and 29 per cent of households having a cat (12.5 million), according to a new survey (UK Pet Food Survey, 2024).
Other popular pets include indoor birds, rabbits, tortoises, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses and ponies, fish – and even snakes made it into the top ten.
latest research shows that spending time with your beloved pets can have a positive impact on our health
Pets can be a source of comfort, joy, fun, positive energy and unconditional love. On a very basic, instinctive level, many adults and children are drawn to certain pets, such as fluffy kittens, or cuddly dogs, because they look so sweet and appealing. Others may want a pet as a companion they can care for and look after.
‘Pets offer safety, security and consistency,’ says Professor Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine, at the University of Lincoln.
‘You can confide in your pet and know they’re not going to let you down.’
Having a pet can bring about many health benefits for owners, with research showing that in addition to the emotional well-being and social interaction that pets provide, they also help decrease stress, improve heart health, help with memory, keep you active, and reduce loneliness, which can lead to depression and other health problems.
‘Pets can provide companionship, affection and protection,’ says Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive at UK Pet Food.
‘In addition to being a source of love and friendship, there have been numerous scientific studies analysing the many ways pets are good for our health.’
How and Why Animals Can Be Good For Your Health…
‘Having a pet can be beneficial on so many levels,’ says Dr Marty Becker, leading US Veterinarian, and author of The Healing Powers of Pets.
‘It’s well documented that even just stroking an animal, your heart rates lowers, blood pressure drops and mood boosting neurochemicals such as phenylethalamine, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin are released into the bloodstream.
‘This stimulates feelings of elation, safety, tranquillity, happiness, satisfaction, nurturing and even love, and are the same substances released when a mother nurses her baby.
‘This interaction is the basis for all the positive health benefits of having a pet. This also promotes feelings of intimacy that are often missing from so much of our high-tech, low-touch world.’
READ MORE: Do pets reduce our stress? 12 ways your pet is boosting your wellbeing
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#1 You’re less likely to suffer from depression if you own a dog
The sheer presence of a dog is calming as you’re instinctively drawn to stroke them. According to research by Dogs for Depression this can be especially helpful for people who suffer from anxiety disorders or panic attacks. The act of stroking can is soothing and hugely beneficial as it can improve mood if you’re feeling down.
Pets also encourage you to get out and exercise. You’re much more likely to go for regular walks if you’re a dog owner and this has a beneficial effect on stress and fitness levels.
dog owners walk or run on average 74 minutes a day, in addition to normal exercise
In fact, research shows that dog owners have lower blood pressure and are less likely to be obese. In a study on 2000 people (Butcher’s Pet Care, 2016) it was found that dog owners are likely to exercise at least three times more in a week than people without dogs.
The study found that dog owners walk or run on average 74 minutes a day, in addition to normal exercise. In all, they cover around 1092 miles a year, compared to 364 by those who don’t have a dog.
#2 They’re good for your heart health
Having a pet can help to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study (High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention, 2016).
Researchers looked at almost 4000 healthy adults aged 50 plus, of whom just over a third owned a pet. It was found that pet owners had a 31 per cent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease overall. Although the study showed that heart health benefits were slightly greater amongst cat owners, owning a dog can also help to protect cardiovascular health.
The benefits of having a pet may not just be from physical exercise, but may relate to the stress-relieving effects of animal companionship. In another study (Mayo Clinic, 2019) it was found that dog owners are far healthier than those with no pets.
‘In general, people who own any pet are more likely to report more physical activity, better diet and blood sugar,’ says Dr Andrea Maugeri, who led the study. “The benefits of having a pet are greatest for dog owners, regardless of age, sex, or education level.”
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