Does Owning Pets Improve Your Life?

The first time I had a panic attack, I found myself in a bathroom at my university attempting to calm down enough to enter the world around me. The feeling of losing control of my body; my heart racing, my chest growing tighter and tighter, and tears streaming down my cheeks, kept me from returning to my normal, seemingly unflappable self. This went on for what felt like an eternity, but I was able to regain a sense of control after about 20 minutes, allowing me to rejoin society. Two years later I would be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder with panic attacks and then realize that I had suffered from this disorder for much of my life. 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 13 people around the world suffer from anxiety and according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), only about 1/3 of those suffering receive treatment. Treatment for anxiety disorders varies, but some treatment options include therapy, medication, and residential treatment.

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research done that demonstrates the benefits of having a pet when it comes to reducing stress, and anxiety and negating the negative impact that has on a person’s health. Let’s explore some of the benefits that have been studied. 

5 Reasons Why Pets Can Improve Your life

Reducing Stress

A 2019 study at Washington State University used a “pet your stress away event” to measure the beneficial effects of simply interacting with animals. As a result of this study, it was determined that interactions with animals can alleviate some of the stress felt by the students. In just 10 minutes, scientists saw a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone. If 10 minutes of interactions with animals can reduce someone’s stress, what could nearly unlimited access to this resource do?

Recent studies have also determined that dogs can smell stress. This ability gives dogs the edge to know when the humans around them need them most. Pet owners, including myself, have told stories for years about their dogs attending to them in their times of need. In 2011, my grandmother passed away. My grandmother played a major role in my life and as such, this event left me feeling devastated. During the first days of intense grief, my boxer, Maggie stayed by my side, resting her head on me and conforming her body to fit mine. It felt as though she knew I needed her as she rarely left my side during this experience. Having the option to stroke her silky fur provided some relief and meant the world to me. 

(Maggie, my dog therapist.)

Ease Loneliness and Depression

Loneliness has been shown to cause increased health risks, such as Type 2 diabetes. Once again, our mental health is affected, and our pets can come to our rescue! During the beginning of the Covid pandemic, many people were suddenly trapped in their homes, which also meant many people were suddenly alone. We’ve all fantasized about a vacation where we would have no obligations, we could sleep all we wanted, we could take a break from our social lives, and we could finally take up those hobbies we’ve always wanted to do but always used time as an excuse not to.

The shutdowns that occurred across the globe gave many this “vacation,” however many found that this wasn’t all they had dreamed of. As a result, people flocked to shelters and breeders to find a companion to ease the feeling of loneliness. Pets demand attention and crave a consistent schedule, therefore they fill the void created by loneliness.

Increased Physical Activity

Think about those early mornings and rainy afternoons when you see people out walking their dogs. Even in the freezing cold, you will see people and dogs bundled up, taking their daily walk. Pet ownership requires dedication to your pet’s health, which fortunately positively impacts your health.

According to the CDC, the average adult should get 30 minutes of exercise each day. Many of us choose to avoid this if possible, however, dog owners have been recorded as having met their daily exercise goals, significantly more than non-dog owners. How can you resist this look? 

(Heidi, the master of getting her way.)

Improve Heart Health

The American Heart Association says dog owners tend to live longer than non-owners. And they often recover better from major health events such as a heart attack or stroke, especially if they live alone. And there’s more good news from the AHA:

• Heart attack survivors who live alone had a reduced risk of death if they owned a dog, while survivors who lived with someone else (a partner or child) had a reduced risk.
• Dog owners are less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than non-dog owners.

So, not only do pets help your mental health, but they also improve your physical health as well! 

Lower Blood Pressure

Pets can be adorable, and they are a great distraction! When petting an animal, you're rewarded with cortisol-lowering and oxytocin-boosting benefits that keep your blood pressure lower. Zoning out and spending time with your pet can ease your body and soothe your overactive mind enough for cortisol and oxytocin to do their job! Some deep breathing and the familiar feeling of your pet at your side can do wonders when your blood pressure is on the rise. 

The unconditional love that animals provide us can have some amazing benefits. Our mental and physical health can benefit greatly from the companionship of an animal. If you are looking for more ways to boost your mental health, maybe a new career is in your future.