The Importance and Health Benefits of Pet Ownership – Copperhill Animal Clinic

Pets can be much more than fun companions. Research shows that animals can have important benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Animals can help people feel calmer and less stressed. When people pet an animal, their bodies can release oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and calmness. Petting animals can also lower cortisol, a hormone that increases when we are stressed. Some studies have even found that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure.
Pets can be especially helpful for children. A 2015 study found that having guinea pigs nearby reduced anxiety in children with autism. Another study, published in 2005, found that children who lived with cats had a lower risk of developing asthma later in life. In another study, teenagers with Type 1 diabetes who cared for a fish each day were more likely to check their blood sugar regularly. Children with ADHD who read to therapy dogs for 30 minutes each week also showed improvements in social skills, sharing, cooperation, and volunteering.
Pets can also help people become more active. Someone who might not otherwise leave the house may get up to walk a dog. That person benefits from the exercise, fresh air, and time outdoors.
Animals can also help scientists learn about human diseases. Dogs can develop cancer in ways that are similar to humans. Studying cancer in dogs may help researchers discover new treatments for people. Feline asthma is also similar to human asthma, so studying asthma in cats may help scientists improve treatments for people.
Some animals can even be trained to alert people about medical problems. Overall, pets can provide friendship, reduce stress, encourage healthy habits, and help advance medical research. They are not only our companions—they can also play an important role in keeping people healthy.