The impact of having a dog on the owner’s health
A dog as a support for health, or how science confirms the benefits of having a pet
Regular activity with your dog improves physical health.
Owning a dog and the owner’s social health
A dog as an investment in health
A dog as a support for health, or how science confirms the benefits of having a pet
Scientific research confirms that dogs have a positive impact on the mental health of their owners, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), dog owners are more likely to report lower levels of depression. There is also greater life satisfaction, especially in people struggling with anxiety disorders and PTSD. The HABRI study, conducted on a group of veterans, showed that having a dog reduced the feeling of loneliness and strengthened emotional bonds. This significantly improved their quality of life
Moreover, interactions with dogs support the production of oxytocin, known as the “attachment hormone”, which is responsible for improving mood and reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Mayo Clinic research suggests that even brief contact with a dog can significantly lower blood pressure and alleviate symptoms of stress, contributing to overall improvement in mental health.
Regular activity with your dog improves physical health.
Taking care of a dog requires daily walks, which motivates owners to engage in regular physical activity. Harvard Medical School research shows that dog owners are 54% more likely to achieve the recommended weekly amount of physical activity than people without pets. Regular walking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity
Additionally, a study published by the Mayo Clinic showed that dog owners have a 33% lower risk of heart attack compared to people who do not own a dog. The physical activity of caring for a dog improves blood flow, strengthens the heart and lowers cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise, which can ideally be achieved by walking your pet.
Dog ownership and the owner's social health
A dog is not only a companion, but also a catalyst for social contacts. Research conducted by the American Psychological Association shows that dog owners interact more often with other people, especially during walks, which reduces the feeling of isolation and improves mental comfort. Dog owners have a greater sense of belonging to a community and are less prone to depression
Additionally, research from Virginia Commonwealth University indicates that contact with a dog in the workplace reduces stress levels and supports better relationships between employees. Dog owners are more satisfied with life and engage in social interactions more often, which positively affects their well-being
A dog as an investment in health
To sum up, owning a dog brings multidimensional health benefits. The results of research conducted by institutions such as HABRI, Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School clearly show that a dog can be an effective support in taking care of the owner’s physical, mental and social health. A dog is more than a companion – it is a partner in building better health and well-being.
Bibliography:
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). “The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Mental Health: Impact on PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression.” HABRI, 2021. Available online: https://habri.org/research
HABRI is an organization that funds research into the health benefits of the human-dog relationship. Published reports show how dogs help people suffering from PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
Mayo Clinic. “Pet Therapy: Animals As Healers.” Mayo Clinic Health System, 2020. Available online: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/
Mayo Clinic articles point to the health benefits of regularly walking your dog, including a lower risk of heart disease and improved blood pressure parameters for dog owners.
Harvard Medical School. “Get Healthy, Get a Dog: The Health Benefits of Dog Ownership.” Harvard Health Publishing, 2019. Available online: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/get-healthy-get-a-dog
Harvard Medical School has conducted research that confirms the influence of dogs on physical fitness. Research shows that dog owners are more active, which improves their physical health and reduces the risk of obesity.
American Psychological Association (APA). “How Pets Help Us Connect.” Monitor on Psychology, vol. 50, no. 5, 2019, pp. 14-16. Available online: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/pets-connect
Research published by the APA shows that owning a dog can reduce loneliness. It also promotes social contacts, which is especially important for the owners’ mental health.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). “Reducing Employee Stress with Pet-Friendly Workplaces.” VCU Center for Human-Animal Interaction, 2018. Available online: https://chai.vcu.edu
VCU conducted research on the impact of the presence of dogs in the workplace on stress levels and relationships between employees. These studies indicate an improvement in the well-being of employees who work in an animal-friendly environment.
