How pets improve your health

Woman and old dog

Companion pets do more than make us smile; they are actually good for our health.

From reduced incidence of depression, lower blood pressure and overall stress reduction, a four-legged friend might be the best health plan money cannot buy.

Man and pit bullAt Pets for Patriots we advocate for the adoption of the most overlooked pets who face near-certain death if not adopted. Dogs and cats who are adult, special needs, or chronically homeless, and larger breed dogs.

Collectively these are animals that are most often overlooked in shelters, but that have many years of love and life to give. And because most are beyond the puppy or kitten stage and may already have some basic training, they are often easier to integrate into family life.

So how exactly do companion pets improve our health? Let us count the ways.

Physical benefits of pet ownership

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the average companion animal can deliver extraordinary physical health results. In some cases, having a pet can improve your health more than medication alone – or at all.

While studies by different organizations vary widely, all point to a plurality of households including pets as part of the family.

Many veterans who adopt through our program tell us that their motivation for getting a pet is to help get out of the house more and to be more physically active. After all, the dog is not going to walk himself.

But pets get us out in other ways.

They are natural social catalysts, helping us relate more easily to others. Maybe that is why dogs and cats are associated with improved mental health, too.

Pets brighten the day

We believe in the healing power of “ordinary” dogs and cats.

After all, pets are the masters of unconditional love. They accept us for who we are, not who we wish we were. They do not care what we look like. They do not see our failings or disabilities. They see our invisible wounds and look beyond them.

They simply love us, as is, and ask for nothing more in return. Woman and dog

Here are just some of the amazing ways they boost our spirits:

  • Reduced stress and incidence of depression; elderly people are less depressed if they have a pet
  • Fewer feelings of loneliness
  • Recent widows who have pets use less medication and have fewer symptoms of any type of illness than those that do not have a pet
  • Dog guardians report being as emotionally connected to their pet as to their closest family members
  • Just a half hour in the company of a dog improves feelings of happiness and well-being
  • Positive impact on children’s attitudes about themselves, boosting their ability to relate to others

Perhaps it is the veterans who adopt through our program that sum it up best: pets give us a purpose in life and another reason to live.

7 Comments

  1. Emily

    Hi,

    Your post is really great.

    I absolutely agree with you. Dogs not only are the best friend but also make the life happier.

    I live with three dogs. When I stress, I play with them. This makes me feel better and happier.

  2. Marina

    What a great article!
    I will save this article for one of my favorite, when I have more time, i’m going to read again and if it’s okay to you I will share this to my friend.

  3. Red

    Choice information you’ve discussed in this article. Readers will locate related facts at a site like visit site. This type of website can be useful for people looking for a dog-loving partner.

  4. Lara Habig

    Very unique blog I have not ever seen blog like this about depression recovery, This blog also realize us about pets important, I want to add here if anybody is in depression, they must checkout about their nutrients and proteins extra, in most of the cases vitamins D and omega 3 fat acid deficiency found. So avoid junk food and keep healthy diet and beat your depression.

  5. Maria

    Hi my name is Maria! I am researching the topic “how do pets improve your health?” for a project in health class. Your blog was very interesting and helped me with my project. I wondering if you could provide me with more information about this topic as I would love to learn more. Thanks!

  6. simon

    Research has shown that the long-term benefits of owning a dog, or cat, include a healthier heart. Over 20 years of study has shown that people who never owned a cat or dog are 40% more likely to die of a heart attack compared to the ones that had. Studies also show that 20 minutes of interaction with a dog can increase oxytocin levels by around 20%. Oxytocin is known as a cardio protective hormone which helps to protect the cardio vascular system from damage. In men who have previously experienced a heart attack, the chances of a second heart attack for those who own a dog is 400% lower than for those who do not own a dog; a statistic that has moved many cardiologists to write ‘get a dog’ into their prescriptions.REF:http://www.newsonhealthcare.com/pets-can-improve-your-health/

  7. chart retrieval services

    This is a great blog especially for pet lovers. Pets can make a difference in one’s health. I did know they can bring a sense of happiness, such as brighten up your day but didn’t know all the physical benefits, thanks for sharing!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. The Health Benefits of Pets - […] pets also keep your children healthier. Not only by keeping them active, but by boosting their immune system too.…
  2. Abandoned dog “greatest cure” for Korean War veteran’s depression - Pets for Patriots - […] has been a great motivation for Joseph to keep active. Weather permitting, the two go for multiple walks a day.…
  3. car accident attorney orange county - car accident attorney orange county How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  4. 登山 トレッキング カーボン トレッキングポールパーツス - 登山 トレッキング カーボン トレッキングポールパーツス How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  5. get taller naturally - get taller naturally How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  6. pba league - pba league How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  7. personal injury attorney walnut creek ca - personal injury attorney walnut creek ca How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  8. skip hire - skip hire How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  9. what to do for depression - what to do for depression How pets improve your health — Pets For Patriots Blog
  10. Military family on the brink united by a rescue dog — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] Jose believes the healing power of his new companion pet is better than any medicine.  [...]
  11. Healing at both ends of the leash for combat veteran and shelter dog — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] pet adoption can offer much-needed healing, at both ends of the leash, for veterans coping with the invisible wounds…
  12. Veterinary Malpractice Actions Elevate the Legal Status of Companion Animals | Perenich Law - [...] and other animals provide therapy for military veterans as well as victims of domestic violence while they are testifying…
  13. Companion pet motivates Army veteran to live — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] For one disabled Army veteran, a companion pet was all the inspiration he needed to make changes that would…
  14. Stray dog has Marine's number — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] has benefited from this incredible connection, and Devin was forming a particularly strong bond with his new pet [...]
  15. Stray Dog Has Marine’s Number | My Pet Basics - pet tips and advice, keeping pets and animals! - [...] has benefited from this incredible connection, and Devin was forming a particularly strong bond with his new pet [...]
  16. Dogs give new life to disabled veteran and military spouse — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] My dogs remind me that I am still important to somebody, if only them. [...]
  17. Abandonment unites airman and shelter dog — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] well established that companion pets provide valuable mental and physical health benefits to their guardians: fewer feelings of isolation…
  18. "Pathetic-looking" rescue dog saves disabled veteran from depression — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] Little Gus has done wonders for Frank’s physical and emotional health. Formerly sedentary, at 64 Frank now walks two miles…
  19. WWII Marine veteran fearless about pet adoption and life — Pets For Patriots Blog - [...] In every respect, Laddie has become Bee’s constant companion. Luckily he enjoys car rides, making it easier for Bee…
  20. A Fantastic Opportunity To Improve Your Health | Anti Aging Nutrition News - [...] Do you need to improve your health? Still trying to lose those last few pounds? Would you like to…
  21. How pets improve your health ? Pets For Patriots Blog | lusicudimof - [...] Source: https://www.petsforpatriots.org/how-pets-improve-your-health/ [...]

Give with Confidence

candid platinum transparency 2023
candid platinum transparency 2023
candid platinum transparency 2023
candid platinum transparency 2023
Petco Foundation
donate your car

Shop 1800PetMeds for all of your pet’s health needs and we’ll get 10% of your purchase!

Shop BISSELL for your home cleaning needs and they will donate 10% of your purchase to us!

Because a shelter is not a home

Long-term shelter pets available for adoption