Health Benefits Of Pets

Snuggling next to our furry friends is a universal antidote to life's stresses. For millions, pets bring a circle of love into our lives – they give affection, we give it back, and everyone benefits. But does science back up these heartfelt claims?  Let’s dive deep into the fascinating world of the "pet effect," debunking myths and exploring the genuine benefits that our furry friends bring into our lives.

Do Pets Have an Impact on Human Health?

Pet owners will loudly pronounce yes! But the answer is not clear-cut. While many believe that pets offer nothing more than emotional support, the truth is far more nuanced. Contrary to popular belief, owning a pet isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for improving mental and physical well-being. Instead, it's essential to understand the complexities and variations in how pets affect different individuals. 

The Benefits of Pets on Human Health

Several studies have sought to unravel the intricate relationship between pet ownership and human health. Below are some researches that support pets’ benefits on human health:

1. Pets Provide Mental and Social Support

The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology highlighted the positive psychological benefits of pet ownership. Researchers in 1992 found that pet owners often experience greater well-being, including increased self-esteem and lower levels of stress. Additionally, pets serve as vital sources of social support, offering companionship and comfort during challenging times.

A more recent study published in BMC Psychiatry in 2018 agrees that pets are good for mental health. Researchers showed that pets alleviate worry, provide comfort against loneliness and isolation, increase social interaction, and give their owners a sense of purpose.

2. Pets Are Good for the Heart

Harvard Health found that having pets, particularly dogs, can benefit heart health. It cites the American Health Association which says that owning dogs might reduce the chances of heart disease. Similarly, a more recent study in Current Hypertension Reports echoes these findings, indicating that pets could decrease the risk of high blood pressure and enhance blood pressure management in individuals with the condition.

3. Pets Boost Physical Fitness

Do you want to get fit? Some researchers say that getting a dog may help! A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21380537_Beneficial_effects_of_pet_ownership_on_some_aspects_of_human_health_and_behavior) found that pet owners, especially dog owners, saw a decrease in minor health issues in the first month after getting their furry friend. What's more, dog owners stayed active by taking their pets for walks and got more exercise than those without pets.

Is There a Universal “Pet Effect” on Human Health?

There are numerous benefits of owning pets, but do the studies above show that pets have a universal positive effect on humans? Some researchers and experts say no.

The Universal Pet Effect is a Hypothesis

Psychologist Harold Herzog, a pet lover who has long studied how pets impact our lives, challenges the idea of a universal “pet effect” on our well-being. In a 2011 article published in Current Directions in Psychological Science (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241645032_The_Impact_of_Pets_on_Human_Health_and_Psychological_Well-Being_Fact_Fiction_or_Hypothesis), he suggests that while we often believe pets have a magical influence on our mental and physical health, the evidence to support this notion is shaky at best. 

Herzog doesn’t condemn pet keeping, but his research shows that the positive benefits of pets to human health are only a hypothesis and not a fact. According to him, many studies aren't done very carefully. They often have small groups of people, similar to each other, and the results aren't very clear. Also, there haven't been big studies that look at all the smaller studies together to see if they agree or not. Moreover, subjective self-reports from pet owners, unpublished negative results, and vested interests in research outcomes contribute to inconclusive findings. 

Researchers Should Ask More Questions

Dr. Martha Gulati, a dog owner and heart health specialist shared her thoughts on two published studies about the positive impacts of dogs on heart health. In a 2019 CNN article, she asked:

 “Is it the dog or is it the behaviors? Is it because you’re exercising or is it because there is a difference in the type of person who would choose to have a dog versus somebody who would not? Are they healthier or wealthier? We don’t know those things.”

The Study Results are Mixed

Another study, published in Vet Sci (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8705563/pmc/articles/PMC8705563/) in 2021, offered a more comprehensive analysis of the literature surrounding pet ownership and mental health. While some studies demonstrated a clear association between pet ownership and positive mental health outcomes, others showed mixed or even negative impacts. This underscores the importance of recognizing that the effects of pet ownership can vary widely among individuals and populations.

The Real Impact of Pets on Human Health

So, what does this mean for pet owners? While it's tempting to believe in the universal benefits of pet ownership, it's crucial to approach the topic with a critical eye. For some individuals, pets can indeed offer invaluable companionship, alleviate stress, and promote physical activity through daily walks. However, others may find themselves burdened by the responsibilities of pet care or struggle to cope with the loss of a beloved animal.

Ultimately, the real impact of pet ownership depends on various factors, including an individual's lifestyle, preferences, and support network. While pets can undoubtedly enrich our lives in countless ways, it's important to recognize that they are not a panacea for all mental and physical health issues. Yes, you should spoil your furbaby with Mo and Bear pet products and other treats such as cat food, but you should also take care of other aspects of your life. Pet ownership should be viewed as one component of a holistic approach to well-being, complementing other strategies such as exercise, socializing, and seeking professional support when needed.

The Truth Behind Our Furry Companions

The "pet effect" is a complex phenomenon that defies simple categorization. While research suggests that pet ownership can positively affect mental and physical health for some individuals, it's not a guarantee of well-being for everyone. By exploring the real impact of pet ownership, we gain a deeper understanding of our furry companions’ role in our lives. 

So, whether you're a proud pet parent or considering bringing a furry friend into your home, remember to approach the journey with an open heart and a discerning mind. After all, regardless of research results, it’s undeniable that for pet lovers, the companionship of a cherished pet is truly priceless.