The Numerous Health Benefits of Having a Pet

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Will and his dog Rosie share an unbreakable bond. She follows him everywhere he goes, and if she’s not allowed, he simply won’t go. It’s not that she’s spoiled, nor is he a hermit. “Rosie understands me. She’s not just a pet; she’s my silent partner, always by my side,” he explains. While Will enjoys engaging conversations, it’s Rosie who truly completes his life.

What’s the Secret?

Imagine cradling a puppy or feeling your dog lean against you, or having a cat curled up in your lap. Those who have interacted with pets can attest to the profound “magic” involved.

“Animals bring us joy because they anchor us in the present, engaging our senses (minus taste),” says Catherine Cloutier, a registered clinical counselor in Kamloops, BC. She often includes her dog, Sunshine, in her therapy sessions. Cloutier explains that while people often dwell on the weight of the past and worries about the future, “the present moment is where we find peace, and pets help us stay connected to that,” she adds.

A 2017 study examined the biochemical responses involved in petting animals, revealing that both humans and dogs experience increased oxytocin levels—the so-called “love hormone” linked to bonding, released when mothers nurse their babies and during childbirth.

According to another study, having a dog may lead to significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease for single-person households and improved overall mortality rates. Additionally, pet ownership encourages outdoor activity, which contributes to better physical and mental health.

Facebook or Fido?

Navigating the world of social media can be challenging, impacting our emotional health. The constant comparison of lifestyles, meals, vacations, and even our pets can lead to diminished self-esteem.

This is one reason many people choose to step away from social media in favor of the companionship of their pets—whether it’s walking the dog or snuggling on the couch with a cat and a book. While social media can affect our mood and increase anxiety, the bonds we share with our pets come with far fewer risks.

“Pets provide unconditional and nonjudgmental companionship,” says Cloutier. However, she emphasizes, “Human interaction is still crucial.” We have an innate need for human connection, but not in a digital format. With a healthy balance of human relationships, pets can enhance our lives in wonderful ways. “Pets help ground us,” she states, “but we need face-to-face human interaction; otherwise, we suffer.”

Are They Fur Babies?

It’s become common for people to refer to themselves as “dog parents” instead of “dog owners,” and to hear someone ask about the age of their “fur baby” at the dog park. Do we really view our dogs similarly to how we view our children?

A small study explored this question, revealing that when participants looked at images of their children or dogs, a key attachment area in the brain (the amygdala) activated for both. However, additional regions that support bonding were activated only for mothers viewing photos of their children. Dog images elicited a stronger response, indicating that while both relationships are cherished, there’s a unique bond between mothers and their children.

We often find ourselves anthropomorphizing our pets. Understanding life through emotions naturally leads us to ascribe human-like feelings to our furry friends, nurturing a bond that, as Will puts it with a grin, “completes us in a remarkable way.”