The Health Benefits of Having a Pet

Whether you continue with your workout routine out of habit, or you’ve stopped due to its predictability, it’s clear that exercise is no longer enjoyable for you. It doesn’t have to remain this way. Let’s bring back the joy in exercising (MEGA)—hats are optional!

Will and his dog Rosie are virtually inseparable. Wherever Will goes, Rosie follows him without question. If she isn’t allowed somewhere, Will opts not to go. It’s not a matter of spoiling her or being antisocial; it’s a bond unlike any other. “She understands me. Rosie is my silent friend; she stands by me through thick and thin,” he shares. Will enjoys conversations with others, yet it’s Rosie who fills his life with happiness.

What’s the secret?

Picture the warmth of holding a puppy or the soothing sensation of your hand gliding along your dog’s back as she leans into you; imagine your cat cozied up on your knees. Anyone who has experienced petting a furry friend knows the “magic” that accompanies it.

“Animals bring us joy because they anchor us, appealing to our senses (minus taste),” shares Catherine Cloutier, a registered clinical counselor based in Kamloops, BC, who often brings her dog, Sunshine, along for her sessions. Many people are weighed down by the emotions tied to their past and future, she explains. “The present is where we find the most tranquility, and pets help us embrace the now by allowing us to see, touch, and connect with them,” she notes.

A 2017 research study examined the biological impact of petting animals. Both humans and dogs showed increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone released during maternal nursing and known for stimulating uterine contractions at birth. Commonly referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is crucial in forming bonds between parents and their children, as well as among partners.

Another study has shown that having a dog can lead to significant health benefits, including a reduced likelihood of cardiovascular diseases in single-person households and lower overall mortality rates. Furthermore, dog ownership encourages spending time outdoors, which promotes physical activity. In summary, dogs enhance our mood and motivate us to be active, ultimately boosting our health and well-being.

Social Media or Your Pet?

Navigating our relationship with social media can be tricky. The desire to stay connected often has emotional costs. Comparing our lives, meals, vacations, and even our pets’ antics on social platforms can negatively impact our self-worth.

This contributes to why many people decide to step back from social media, preferring the companionship of their pets—whether it’s taking a walk with their dog or snuggling on the couch with a cat and a good book. While social media can affect our moods, heighten anxiety, and potentially lead to depression, the connections forged with our pets present minimal risks.

“Pets provide us with unconditional, nonjudgmental support,” Cloutier emphasizes, but she also cautions that “human interaction is crucial.” While we crave social connections, they need to occur face-to-face, not through screens. A life balanced between human relationships and pet companionship enhances overall well-being. “Pets keep us grounded,” Cloutier states, “but we suffer without direct human contact.”

Is that a pet or a family member?

It’s not uncommon to hear individuals refer to themselves as “dog parents” rather than “dog owners,” or to ask how old someone’s “fur baby” is while at the dog park. Are we beginning to see our dogs in the same light as our children?

A small investigation sought to explore this notion: one of the primary emotional centers of the brain, the amygdala, lit up for participants when they viewed images of both their children and dogs. However, other regions associated with bonding were activated only when mothers looked at photos of their children. While both mothers love their babies and dogs, there’s an undeniable distinction reserved for children.

However, it’s natural for us to anthropomorphize. We interpret life through emotions, and ascribing human-like feelings to our pets is part of the unique bond we form with them. A meaningful connection that, as Will expressed with a wide smile, “completes us in an extraordinary way.”