After a stressful morning, Gab Klotz crawls into bed with her chihuahua and cats. Then she rests and destresses — petting and snuggling with the animals while listening to the loud purring from Monster, her always-content orange tabby.
“It relaxes me,” says the insurance property underwriter who works from home. “When I’m in bed with them, I can breathe and my heart rate slows. Afterward, I’m much calmer and ready to tackle the remainder of my day.”
Klotz’s experience hints at some of the ways pets contribute to improved well-being.
The connection between pets and health
Research into the connection between pets and human health dates back at least four decades, with dozens of studies pointing to several surprising benefits.
Pets may contribute to improved well-being in several ways, says Denise M. Millstine, M.D., who specializes in integrative medicine and health:
- Keep us company, which makes us feel less alone.
- Make us laugh and smile, which can lift mood and manage stress.
- Comfort us during hard times.
- Encourage us to exercise and get outdoors.
- Give us routine and purpose.
3 ways pets can improve your physical health
Pets do more than serve as loyal companions. They may also help protect heart and brain health.
Protecting heart health
Chronic stress can contribute to higher levels of inflammation, leading to poor blood vessel health. By flooding the body with adrenaline and cortisol, stress also increases heart rate and blood pressure.
However, pets can help counteract stress.
When you stroke or cuddle with your pet, your brain releases oxytocin. This hormone encourages you to draw closer to your loved ones and helps buffer stress. Pets can also inspire you to do other activities that are good for overall heart health, like getting enough exercise.
Slowing cognitive decline
Although not all studies agree, owning a pet may have a positive effect on cognitive health. A 2023 study found that older adults who owned a pet for over five years scored higher on regular cognitive tests than did older adults without pets. The study couldn’t say whether pet ownership caused better test scores, or why that may be the case. But the study authors listed potential pet effects like increased oxytocin, increased physical activity, decreased incidence of high blood pressure and lower stress as some possible contributing factors.
Mental health benefits of owning a pet
Pets need us, and it’s good to feel needed.
“They need to be fed and go out on a schedule,”
Particularly in times of stress and anxiety, it’s important to maintain routines, which can help center you and improve your sense of control over your life.
