Do Cats & Dogs Improve Human Health? The Science Says Yes

As a pet parent, I often think about how much my pups bring to my life. Honestly, I can’t imagine life without them, and consider myself so very lucky to be their mom! I have no doubt you feel the same way. Your furry companion brings joy and comfort and enhances your life in immeasurable ways.  

But… science tells us, those ways are actually measurable – and it’s not just warm fuzzy feelings we get. There are so many benefits to pets, and science proves that cats and dogs improve human health in a variety of ways.

How Do Cats and Dogs Improve Human Health?

In what ways do cats and dogs improve human health overall? Check this out!

1. Mental Health: Pets as Emotional Anchors

Pets provide essential emotional support, companionship, and joy, with pet parents reporting regular moments of laughter and smiles. A recent survey conducted by Talker Research highlights the significant positive impact pets have on their owners’ mental health. Polling 2,000 cat and dog owners, the study found that 56% believe their pet has literally saved their life, while 34% brought home a pet specifically to improve their mental well-being. 

Remarkably, 95% of respondents reported daily mental health improvements due to their pets. Prior to pet ownership, only 32% rated their mental health as excellent, compared to 71% after. The emotional bond runs so deep that 53% trust their pets more than their partners, and many feel more comfortable displaying vulnerability in front of their animals.

The American Heart Association also emphasizes that pets help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Interacting with dogs, for instance, can elevate levels of oxytocin and dopamine—neurochemicals associated with happiness and bonding. This interaction not only fosters a sense of companionship but also contributes to overall emotional well-being.

2. Physical Health: A Boost for the Body

Owning a pet doesn’t just warm the heart—it strengthens it. Studies have shown that having a pet may help increase fitness levels, relieve stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as boost overall happiness and well-being.

In fact, reserach shows that dog parents are four times more likely to meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity than non-pet parents. Regular exercise with a dog aids in weight management, reducing the risks of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

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3. Gut Health: The Microbiome Connection

Overall relies a lot on gut health (you’ve probably heard us talk about this before).

A wide body of research, some of it going back to the 1980s, indicates that gut health can be improved by spending time with your pet, as exposure to their microbiome boosts your own. Much of that comes from the bacterial diversity that comes from living with a dog – and diversity is a very good thing!

Chew on these stats:

• A 2024 study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that children aged 5-15 who live with a dog have a healthier gut microbiome and reduced risk of developing Crohn’s disease.
• A 2022 study demonstrated that dog ownership had a significant impact on the microbial structure and function of elderly individuals, and showed that dogs promote the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibit the abundance of harmful bacteria.
• Close interactions with pets protect against the recurrence of community-acquired CDI, and increasing contact with pets was increasingly protective against recurrence.
• Exposure to dogs, whether they be indoor or outdoor pets, is associated with a decreased prevalence in atopic dermatitis.

[RELATED]

Pets vs. Partners: A Surprising Comparison

Having a pet to keep you company could boost your wellbeing as much as being married or meeting up regularly with friends and relatives, new research suggests.

The study, conducted by economic researchers, revealed that having a pet can significantly enhance overall life satisfaction and wellbeing, more so than having a romantic partner or even receiving $145,000 annually. Examining data from nearly 2,500 families and using the “life satisfaction approach,” the study assessed how pet companionship compares to other life benefits. 

The results indicate that pets contribute to happiness by reducing stress, loneliness, and blood pressure while improving mental and physical health, as well as social interaction. Researchers quantified the wellbeing value of pet ownership as equivalent to approximately $145,000 per year, noting that pets provide emotional benefits comparable to regular interaction with family and friends.

The evidence is clear: more than providing companionship, cats and dogs improve human health in a variety of ways, actively contributing to our physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s through encouraging exercise, reducing stress, or even enhancing gut health, our furry friends play a vital role in our lives. As if we needed another reaosn to love them…