Pets can make us healthier

According to Forbes Advisor, pet ownership in the U.S. has been increasing for decades. In 2023, 66% of Americans lived in a home with a pet, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say this is a healthy trend. Pets can:

• Increase opportunities to spend time outside and exercise.
• Decrease blood pressure and stress.
• Decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Help us manage feelings of loneliness, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Improve cognitive function in older adults.
• Lower anxiety for people with dementia and Alzheimer's – and their caregivers.

Studies have shown that compared to people who do not share their lives with an animal, pet owners:

• Are less likely to be depressed than people who do not own pets.
• Have lower blood pressure – even in stressful situations.
• Have higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, which trigger a more calm and relaxed mood.
• Have fewer indicators of heart disease.
• Survive longer after a heart attack.
• Have significantly fewer doctor's visits.

Best of all, just about any pet offers health benefits. Snuggling with a dog, cat, or rabbit can boost your mental health. Birds encourage social interaction and help keep the mind sharp. Even watching fish, reptiles and amphibians can reduce muscle tension and lower your heart rate.

Choosing the right pet is very important because a pet that is not a good fit for your family can actually make you sicker. Consider the following:

• What is the lifespan of this pet? Can I commit to caring for this animal its entire life?
• What kind of food does this pet require?
• How much exercise does this pet require?
• How big will it grow?
• Do I have the time to clean up and care for this pet?
• Can I afford the cost of veterinary care?
• Are pets allowed in my house, apartment or condominium?

Our bodies and minds are both connected, it's no surprise that one can affect the other.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression, for example, can lead to an increased risk of long-lasting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.