August 16, 2024 by Maria Davidson
The health benefits of pet companionship are profound. Returning home to the loyal affection of a pet is a unique joy. Beyond providing companionship, the unconditional love of animals can greatly enhance our mental and physical health. Research shows that the health benefits of pet companionship help reduce stress, improve heart health, and assist children in developing crucial social and emotional skills.
Around 68% of households in the United States have pets. But who benefits the most from animal companionship? What types of pets deliver the greatest health benefits? For the last decade, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has partnered with the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition to explore these critical questions through research.
Researchers are investigating the health implications of various animals, from fish and guinea pigs to dogs and cats. Understanding these factors can enhance the health benefits of pet companionship.
The study of human-animal interactions is relatively new. Some studies affirm notable health benefits, while others show mixed results. Research indicates that engaging with animals can lower cortisol levels—known as the stress hormone—while also decreasing blood pressure. These positive interactions highlight the health benefits of pet companionship. They can mitigate loneliness, nurture social support, and improve overall mood.
The NIH/Mars collaboration leads various studies exploring how relationships with animals influence health. A key focus is understanding how these dynamics affect child development, particularly for children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“There isn’t a universal answer for how a pet might assist someone with a specific issue,” states Dr. Layla Esposito, director of NIH’s Human-Animal Interaction Research Program. “If you want to increase physical activity, owning a dog can help, as walking a dog daily encourages exercise. Watching fish swim can be calming for those seeking stress relief. Each individual’s needs are unique.”
Additionally, NIH conducts surveys to examine the variety of pets people keep and how these relationships affect health outcomes, further emphasizing the health benefits of pet companionship.
“Our goal is to understand the bond between individuals and their pets and how this connection translates into health benefits,” explains Dr. James Griffin, a child development expert at NIH.
Pets can offer an incredible source of comfort and emotional support. Therapy dogs exemplify the health benefits of pet companionship. They are often brought into healthcare settings to reduce patients’ stress and anxiety.
“Dogs are present companions. They instinctively know how to provide love and support,” remarks Dr. Ann Berger, a physician at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. “Their attention focuses solely on the individual.”
Dr. Berger works with cancer patients and those facing terminal illnesses, integrating mindfulness practices to reduce stress and manage pain.
“Mindfulness principles—attention, intention, compassion, and awareness—are traits animals naturally exhibit,” Berger observes. “Humans must cultivate these qualities, but animals embody them effortlessly.”
However, introducing pets into healthcare environments raises concerns about germ exposure. Research is ongoing to assess the safety of therapy dogs visiting children with cancer. This includes testing for germ transfer after interactions.
Animals in educational settings can provide significant benefits, reinforcing the health benefits of pet companionship. Studies have shown that therapy dogs help children with ADHD focus better. In one study, children participated in therapy sessions where one group read to therapy dogs, and another group read to puppets resembling dogs.
The results were telling: children who read to real dogs showed better social skills, increased cooperation, and reduced behavioral issues.
Another study found that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibited lower anxiety levels and improved social interactions during play sessions with guinea pigs. After just ten minutes of supervised play, these children displayed calmer behaviors, suggesting animals create a comforting, nonjudgmental environment.
“Animals can facilitate social connections and act as bridges for meaningful interactions,” Griffin states. Ongoing research aims to uncover the nuances of these effects and identify who benefits the most.
Research suggests additional benefits of pet care, further supporting the health benefits of pet companionship. A recent study revealed that caring for fish helped teenagers with diabetes manage their condition more effectively. Participants fed their pet fish twice a day and followed care routines, which improved their discipline in monitoring blood glucose levels compared to peers without pets.
While pets can provide a broad spectrum of health advantages, not everyone benefits equally. Recent findings suggest early exposure to pets may shield young children from developing allergies. However, individuals allergic to certain animals may experience negative effects from pet ownership, showing that the health benefits of pet companionship can vary.
Owning a pet comes with new responsibilities. Understanding how to care for animals properly is essential. NIH and Mars are researching the reciprocal effects of human-animal interactions for both pets and their owners.
It is also vital to recognize that pets experience stress. Teaching children to identify signs of distress in pets is important for ensuring safe interactions. Moreover, preventing dog bites is crucial for young children, who may not fully grasp safe behaviors around animals.
“Parents should remain vigilant regarding dog bite risks, especially with young kids who may not understand boundaries,” cautions Esposito.
Researchers will continue to explore the health implications of pet ownership, aiming to clarify the health benefits of pet companionship. “We are dedicated to determining beneficial practices, identifying risks, and ensuring safety for both humans and animals,” concludes Esposito.
Through ongoing research, the health benefits of pet companionship continue to emerge, showcasing the powerful role animals play in enhancing our lives. By understanding and leveraging these benefits, we can enrich our well-being and deepen our connections with our beloved pets.