Does Owning a Pet Make You Healthier?

While exercise, a balanced diet and generally good habits like not smoking yield major health benefits, you might not know that a furry friend can also contribute to good overall health. Be it a cuddly cat or talkative parrot, a pet in your home can bring along some wonderful effects thanks to the companionship they provide.

  1. Cardiovascular Benefits

    • Having a pet companion in your home can increase your cardiovascular health. According to the National Center for Infectious Diseases, pet ownership can lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol. This is in part due to the calming effect spending time with your cuddly companion can have. However, having a pet can also have adverse cardiovascular effects if you are unprepared for the commitment it takes in owning a pet; if you aren't prepared, having a furry friend to be responsible for can cause stress.

    More Exercise

    • Another way owning a pet can improve health is through the fact that pet owners have more opportunity for exercise. For example, dog owners have to set up a schedule for walking their dogs and providing some outdoor activity which in turn provides the owner with more exercise too. This effect is mostly seen with larger pets like dogs or other animals that require exercise outside of a cage, so you won't see this effect if you simply own a fish or other similarly caged animal.

    Fight Off Sadness

    • Pets of any kind can have numerous mental health benefits and one is that they can help fight off depression. Pets provide a sense of companionship which helps during periods where you feel alone. Also knowing that there is a living creature out there that depends on you can give you a sense of worth in times when you feel bogged down by sad feelings.

    Lower Anxiety

    • Another mental health benefit is a decrease in anxiety. This can be seen not only through the companionship animals provide, but also through the fact that pets can be relaxing. Stroking your dog's fur or listening to a purring cat can be calming in periods of distress. Even watching a fish move swiftly through the water can be a visually calming activity. If you have social anxiety, owning a pet can help through meeting other pet owners, such as walking your dog in a dog park and meeting another dog owner while your two dogs interact.