Pet ownership and its substantial impact on overall health intrigued us at RxHealthyHabits so we decided to dig into the topic and share what we found out. Here are some interesting facts to begin the discussion.
Did you know?
According to the American Pet Products Association's (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey conducted in 2021, 67% of US households (or about 85 million families) own a pet.
This represents an increase from 56% of households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted. Covid-19 lockdowns created a big uptick in Google searches on the health benefits of pet ownership as people searched to combat the negative effects of the isolation
The survey also found that dogs and cats are the most popular pets, with 63.4 million households owning at least one dog and 42.7 million households owning at least one cat. Other popular pets include freshwater fish, birds, small animals (such as hamsters and guinea pigs), and reptiles.
Ah, pets. Is there anything they can't do? They provide companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. But did you know that pets can also benefit your health? That's right, owning a pet can have a variety of health benefits, particularly when it comes to mental health.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the mental health benefits of pet ownership, and how pets can help to improve our overall well-being.
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Life can be stressful, but pets can help to take the edge off. Studies have shown that interacting with pets can have a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and anxiety levels. In fact, one study found that petting a dog for just 15 minutes can help to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and increase levels of the "feel-good" hormone oxytocin.
Pets can also help to provide a sense of comfort and security, which can be particularly
beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, some individuals with PTSD may find comfort in a therapy animal, which can help to reduce symptoms such as hyperarousal and emotional numbness.
2. Improved Mood & Emotional Well-Being
Pets can also help to improve our mood and emotional well-being. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and the unconditional love and affection that pets offer can be comforting during difficult times.
Studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to experience symptoms of depression, and may have better overall mental health compared to those without pets.
Pets can also provide a source of social support, which is important for our emotional well-being. Walking a dog can help to facilitate social interactions with other pet owners, and pets can serve as conversation starters and help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
3. Increased Physical Activity
In addition to the mental health benefits of pet ownership, pets can also help to promote physical activity. Dogs, in particular, require regular exercise such as walking or playing fetch, which can help to increase our daily activity levels and reduce sedentary behavior.
Regular physical activity has a variety of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. By encouraging us to get moving, pets can help to improve our overall health and well-being.
Check out this video created with "Brutto" after his "important" daily walk. (LOL)
RxHealthyHabits and Pet Ownership Advice
At RxHealthyHabits, we're always promoting healthy habits to improve our subscribers' and followers' health and wellness. While pet ownership isn't for everyone, it's certainly worth considering as a way to improve your overall health and well-being. In addition to the mental health benefits of pet ownership, pets can also help to promote physical activity, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
If you're considering pet ownership, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, be sure to research the specific needs and requirements of the pet you're considering. Different pets have different needs, and it's important to ensure that you're able to meet those needs before bringing a pet into your home.
Second, consider the financial and time commitment of pet ownership. Pets require food, veterinary care, and other supplies, which can add up over time. They also require daily attention and care, such as feeding, walking, and cleaning up when poop happens. LOL.
Finally, consider your living situation and lifestyle. If you live in a small apartment, for example, a large dog may not be the best fit. If you work long hours and aren't able to provide regular attention and care for a pet, a low-maintenance pet such as a fish may be a better option.
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