Pets and Health: A Bond That Heals Body and Mind
- Pet-Mat Heated Animal Mats
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Every pet-owner knows how rewarding it is to have, love and care for a pet, but did you know having a pet is good for your health?
The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Having a Furry Friend
The connection between humans and animals dates back nearly as long as humanity itself. Companion animals have been part of our evolution, serving as helpers, protectors, and loyal friends. Today, the family pet is the ultimate expression of this enduring bond.
They bring us endless hours of fun, entertainment, joy, and unconditional love — even on our darkest days. This powerful source of comfort is one of the most studied aspects of the human-animal relationship, and it explains many of the mood-boosting, stress-relieving, and depression-fighting benefits pets offer.
Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Pets help reduce loneliness, increase our sense of purpose, and foster feelings of love, belonging, and contentment. Together, these support a calmer, more centered mindset, a more positive outlook, and greater self-confidence. These emotional benefits promote better mental wellbeing, especially for children and older adults.
Interacting with pets releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, while reducing stress hormones. This hormone balance can immediately lift your mood, and over time, help lower anxiety and reduce depression risk.
Research consistently shows that pet ownership — dogs in particular — is linked to a lower incidence of depression. In fact, pet therapy is used to support those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and children with ADHD.
Physical Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
The mental benefits of pet ownership translate to physical health too. Reduced stress levels improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Pet owners tend to be more physically active, which further supports cardiovascular health and lowers obesity risk. Walking your pet outdoors boosts your mood and encourages social interaction, deepening your sense of community.
Benefits for Children
When it comes to our kids, pets have even more to give!
Children raised with pets often experience fewer allergies and lower anxiety levels.
Pets provide comfort and help kids develop compassion, responsibility, and caring — all within a rewarding relationship that supports healthy social connections.
For parents, pets also strengthen family bonds, offering new ways to play, laugh, and love together.
No wonder we love them so much!
Show your pet some love! 🌼
References used in this article:
Biswas, S. (2019). The Benefits of Pets for Human Health, Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal, 13(3), pp.1-3, DOI: 10.19080/PBSIJ.2019.13.555862
Hussein, S., M., Soliman, W., S. Kalifa, A. (2021). Benefits of Pet Ownership, A review based on health perspectives, Journal of Internal Medicine and Emergency Research, 2(1), pp. 1-9
McConnell, A., Brown, C., Shoda, T., Stayton, L., & Martin, C. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239-1252. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024506
Smith, B. (2012). The ‘pet effect.’ Health related aspects of companion animal ownership, Australian Family Physician, 41(6), pp. 439-442
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