Health Benefits of Pets for Families + Kids, Seniors, and Adults
We recently got a new puppy, Edie, who is some sort of Belgian Malinois mutt. She is super-sweet and her playfulness keeps us on our toes. Also, as she is an energetic pooch, she makes sure we get lots of time outside with her as well which definitely helps keep us healthy.
Courtney with Piggus, our new Belgian Malinois puppy
I had heard that pets had lots of health benefits for their owners so I did a little research to see how our animal pals help us live healthy lives. Turns out the 63% of US households own at least one pet and 39% of all households have a dog. 34% have a cat as a pet (personally, I would like a cat as well, but Edie would probably eat it and I am really allergic, so no cats for us). With pet percentages this big, its not surprising that the health benefits of pets reach many different segments of the population.
Check out the health benefits of pets by segment below based on the latest research provided by the CDC and Delta Society:
Health Benefits of Pets for Families and Kids:
Remember when you were little and your pet was your best friend, someone who did not judge you or tell you what to do, just made you feel special and bonded? Those feelings probably helped your development and can help your child’s as well. Research shows that the health benefits of pets for families and kids include:
- Enhancing a child’s self-esteem
- Teaches kids responsibility and respect for other living creatures
- Kids with pets tend to be more involved in sports, hobbies, chores, clubs, or other extracurricular activities
- Pets can help a child heal faster during therapy sessions or recovering from other ailments
- Cheer up stressed out parents and provide excellent companionship for kids
Health Benefits of Pets for Seniors
Seniors with pets end up going to the doctor for minor health issues than seniors without pets. Pets are a great way to keep seniors engaged, active, social, and connected. Although having a pet requires a decent amount of dedication, seniors are often advised to be paired with calm, adult dogs that can be great companions. The medical health benefits of pets for seniors include:
- lower blood pressure
- lower cholesterol levels
- lower triglyceride levels
- decreased feelings of loneliness
Health Benefits of Pets for Adults
Americans now are working harder than ever in their careers. The weak economy has left many people feeling very stressed about their savings, cost of living, and mortgages. With so many financial pressures, spending some time playing with your pet can be a great way to blow off steam psychologically/emotionally AND take care of your physical health. Health benefits of pets for adults include:
- improved cardiovascular health
- more opportunities for outdoor exercise and activities
- more opportunities for socializing
- reduced anxiety and stress levels
- more rapid recovery from illness when pets are included in patient therapy
So, it looks like getting our new pet dog, Edie, was not only a fun thing to do, it was a smart move health-wise. Maybe we should start making pet vitamins here at SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins as part of our commitment to family health! I will be sure to remember the health benefits of pets like Edie next time she wakes me up in the middle of the night licking my foot because she wants to go out to pee 
For more info on the health benefits of pets, check out this report from the National Institute of Health.
Be well!
Josh P., New York NY
