The Many Benefits of Pet Ownership

Animals are a source of unconditional love, and their affection can have lasting positive effects on their owners. Scientific studies increasingly show that owning a pet, particularly a dog, offers the pet parent a range of health benefits, including improved mental and physical well-being.

One of the most well-known health benefits is stress relief. The simple act of touching an animal in a kind and loving manner has been shown to soothe humans, helping to relieve stress by triggering the release of endorphins, which are known as the "feel-good" hormones. According to research conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pet owners tend to experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who do not own pets.

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

In addition to reducing stress, pets—especially dogs—can help improve cardiovascular health. A recent study found that dog owners are 57-77% more likely than non-dog owners to meet their daily exercise recommendations. This is largely because dogs require regular exercise, whether walking in the neighborhood, hiking, or playing in the yard. Increased physical activity from walking your dog(s) can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another study, conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), showed that owning a dog is associated with a significantly lower risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular causes. The AHA’s findings suggest that dog ownership is linked to a 24% reduction in overall mortality and a 31% reduction in death from heart-related illnesses. The regular physical activity dog ownership encourages and the emotional support dogs provide may contribute to these impressive cardiovascular health benefits.

Mental Health and Social Connections

Pets also contribute to mental well-being by offering companionship and emotional support, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This benefit is especially significant in older adults, who may face social isolation as they age. A 2019 study found that older pet owners reported significantly lower levels of loneliness and increased socialization compared to non-pet owners. Pets can serve as social catalysts, encouraging their owners to interact with other people—whether it's fellow dog walkers in the park or neighbors who stop to chat during a walk.

Reducing the Effects of Aging and Disease

Pet ownership has also been linked to slowing the effects of aging and helping manage various chronic conditions. For example, research shows that pet interaction can help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, providing emotional comfort and lowering agitation in those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, pet ownership may help reduce the risk of developing hypertension and obesity, as regular physical activity and lower stress levels contribute to healthier aging.

Purpose and Structure

Owning a pet also provides a sense of purpose and structure. Caring for an animal requires daily routines—feeding, exercising, and looking after them. This responsibility can give owners a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and mental health. Pets, in a way, give us something to take care of, which can be especially helpful during difficult times, such as periods of loss, depression, or illness.

Pet companionship may offer similar benefits to people suffering from other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, by promoting daily exercise and providing emotional support.

Conclusion

The benefits of pet ownership are reciprocal: Love and care for your pet will help improve your health in ways you may have never imagined. From physical health benefits like improved cardiovascular health to mental health benefits such as reduced stress and enhanced social interactions, pets—especially dogs—bring their owners a wide range of advantages.

If you’re interested in reaping these benefits, head to your local animal shelter and adopt an animal in need. The love, companionship, and health boost you’ll receive in return will be more than worth it.

Johnna Devereaux is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, canine wellness expert and Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs.

* This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

**The points of view expressed above are those of our clinical nutritionist and are supported by science, her education and experience. We are committed to providing the best, most straightforward, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.