Your pet is more than just a furry friend, they come with real health benefits

All pet parents assemble! It’s time to praise our little munchkins. In a world where work stress and family drama keep pulling us down, our non-human friends make sure to bring a smile to our faces each time they look at us.

Whether they are furry, feathered, or scaly, they are just pure joy, and keeping them around is beneficial in more ways than you can think about.

Having a pet has many health benefits, and we are here to tell you all about them.

“As we prioritise our health more than ever, welcoming a furry friend into our lives can offer surprising benefits. Owning a pet isn’t just about companionship; it’s a boost to your physical and mental well-being,” Dr Shashank Sinha, CEO, Drools Pet Food, tells India Today.

They keep you on your feet

Regular walks, playtime, and exercise become a part of your daily routine when you have a pet, so they keep you active.

“This increased activity translates directly to improved physical health. But the impact goes beyond the physical. Pets provide unwavering love, support, and companionship, which can be incredibly valuable,” adds Dr Sinha.

Pets encourage physical activity through playful interactions and daily walks, promoting better cardiovascular health and weight management.

Appreciate your pet for keeping you active (Photo: Pexels/Bruno Cervera)

Your pet improves your mental health

“Amidst a challenging chapter in my life, I found solace and strength through the unwavering companionship of my two cherished canine pals. Fido, my faithful labrador of nine years, and Buddy, my lively pug of ten, brought an abundance of joy, energy, and affection that proved instrumental in navigating those turbulent times. Their enthusiastic tail wags, gentle nose nudges, and warm embraces provided a comforting presence, lifting my spirits even amidst the darkest moments,” says Mehar Jaisleen Kaur, Dehradun-based psychology major, life coach, and a pet parent, as she shares her experience.

Kaur adds that pets have been shown to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression. A comprehensive meta-analysis featured in BMC Psychiatry examined numerous studies, concluding that dog ownership correlates with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, alongside heightened feelings of social support, stress alleviation, and overall well-being.

“The presence of a canine companion imparts a sense of purpose and structure, motivating individuals to engage in physical activities, adhere to regular routines, and cultivate meaningful relationships within their communities,” she mentions.

Adding to this, Dr Sinha shares that studies by organisations like the American Cancer Society show that pet ownership can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, and other mental health struggles.

“The science behind the human-animal bond is fascinating. Interacting with pets increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to happiness and well-being. This natural mood-booster effectively combats feelings of depression and anxiety,” he adds.

Further, Dr Gorav Gupta, psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoneeds, says that having a pet is like having a furry therapist at home. He adds that studies have shown that individuals facing long-term mental health challenges have credited their pets with providing a deep sense of identity, self-worth, and existential meaning.

Take a moment and think about Professor Ueno, the protagonist of the world-famous Japanese film ‘Hachikō Monogatari’, whose life was transformed when Hachikō, the Akita Inu, came into his life.

Hachikō memorial statue in Japan (Photo: Ananya Bhattacharya)

Moreover, the unconditional love and non-judgmental companionship pets offer can alleviate the feeling of loneliness and enhance overall well-being.

They make you more responsible

As per the experts, caring for pets instils a sense of responsibility and routine, particularly beneficial for those grappling with mental health issues.

Especially among kids, pets instil a sense of kindness, empathy, and compassion. They encourage a sense of responsibility as they get involved in practical things like feeding, watering, exercising, and bathing the pets.

Pets teach responsibility (Photo: Pexels/Katya Wolf)

Additionally, spending time with pets has been proven to reduce blood pressure, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation.

However, it is important to remember that while having a pet can be beneficial, it shouldn’t be a substitute for addressing underlying mental health issues and seeking professional help is always advisable.

They lower your risk of heart attack

As per Reader’s Digest (March 2023), having a pet can lower your risk of a fatal heart attack. The magazine mentioned that researchers at the University of Minnesota tracked 4,000 people (most were tracked for over a decade) and as a result, it was found that people who owned a cat had a 30 per cent lower risk of suffering a heart attack.

The credit for this can go to cats’ inherently unbothered nature, which has a calming effect on the pet parents. And, with other pets, the exercises they make their parents do and the stress busters that they are, reduce the risk of heart attack.

Your pet boosts your immune system

• “Your four-legged companions play a crucial role in bolstering your immune system. One of the primary mechanisms through which dogs enhance immune function is by reducing stress levels. Stress is known to weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness,” says Mehar Jaisleen Kaur.
• The presence of a dog can mitigate stress through various mechanisms, such as promoting the release of oxytocin ‘the love hormone’ and reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
• By lowering stress, dogs indirectly support immune function, allowing the body to better defend against pathogens.
• Furthermore, owning a dog often entails regular physical activity. Physical exercise has been shown to enhance immune function by promoting the circulation of immune cells throughout the body and improving the body’s ability to fight off infections.
• Apart from this, spending time outdoors with your dog exposes you to fresh air and sunlight, both of which have immune-boosting properties.

They make you take a break from social isolation

Pets can serve as social catalysts, facilitating connections with others, diminishing social isolation and fostering a sense of community. They also provide opportunities for laughter and joy, offering moments of lightness and happiness amidst life’s challenges.

So, now you know that, beyond providing comfort and companionship, pets contribute to overall well-being, including reducing stress and boosting the immune system. Go say thank you to your pet.