“A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”
-Josh Billings
We all have our preferences when it comes to pets. I prefer dogs. Maybe you are a cat, fish, or reptile person. Whatever the case, recent research has proven what we already know – pets are good for you.
Half of the households in the U.S. have a pet of some kind. Whether you have an affectionate dog, a purring cat, or a fish watching you from his watery home every morning as you stumble out of bed to make coffee, the company of a pet is comforting. Pets support our well-being. For many they offer a vital mental and physical coping mechanism.
Pets can provide us with distinct physical benefits. Dogs especially make great exercise companions (this is less of an option with cats and fish). A dog will give you a reason to exercise. For dog owners, walking becomes pretty much mandatory. An interesting systematic review of research was published recently in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes (this is a journal put out by the American Heart Association). It highlighted the fact that dog ownership is associated with better cardiovascular health. The review examined a truckload of studies published between 1950-2019 examining data from approximately four million humans. Many of these studies revealed that dog ownership was linked to improved cholesterol levels, decreased blood pressure, and lower stress response in the sympathetic nervous system. A summary of all the data showed that dog ownership was associated with a 31 percent reduced risk of cardiovascular death. It is believed that the primary reason for this increased longevity stems from the necessary exercise required of dog owners. A squirmy little dog at your feet, ready to go outside and walk your shoes off, will help you live longer.
On a personal note, Mac, our lively little Jack Russell Terrier has prompted me to walk him twice a day. Some days now we hit four miles. I feel better for it and know that walking is good for both of us.
Besides promoting physical well-being, pets can provide a plethora of mental and psychological benefits. These include reduced stress and enhanced mood. Pet ownership stimulates the reduction of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Animals seriously have the capacity to enhance our mood and mental well-being. And this is good news also for the fish and cat people. I am not much of a cat person, but I will acknowledge that cats make pretty good pets. Their sanctimonious and independent nature make them require less maintenance. They tolerate your absence well but will hang around and offer some degree of comfort when you are home. Fish I think are indifferent, but they are fun to look at, so that’s good for something. Lizards and small rodents might fall into this category as well.
But when it comes to mental health, dogs particularly provide the pure connection and affection which promotes the release of dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters synonymous with relaxation. I always feel more relaxed with little Mac curled up at my feet, or asleep on my desk as I write.
I recently had reason to stop by the designated veterans’ apartments here in town. While there I met an elderly gentleman who was a former Navy SEAL. He glided into the room in his electric wheelchair with his dog Frieda by his side. Frieda’s attention and affection for her person was obvious. This grizzled veteran told me that his beloved dog had literally saved his life. She gave him a reason to live. The bond between the two was evident beyond words.
Pets, and I would again say dogs in particular, can encourage positive social interactions as well. Dogs naturally create opportunities for social connections. Walking your dog can lead to casual conversations with neighbors and other dog owners. Many folks take their charges to the local dog park. It’s easy to meet people this way. Dogs provide a social lubricant. You are more approachable with a dog. Dogs also can help foster emotional security, encouraging people to interact in informal settings.
All pets are good for us in every way. They make our lives better by loving us, overlooking our faults, and wanting nothing more than food, water, and our attention. They are blessings beyond words. Love your pet today…
© 2025 Jody Dyer
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