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The Power of Pets

Anyone who has had a pet can attest to the joys (and tribulations) of coming home to a companion you love (and sometimes drives you crazy). While messes, stolen shoes and expensive vet bills are part of the package, there’s no denying our affection for the animals we welcome into our families. But did you know there are scientifically proven physical and mental health benefits to having a pet? Warning: if your partner or parent has forbidden you from bringing home a puppy, stop reading now.
 

The Physical Benefits

“Having a pet may help you get more fit; lower your stress and your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; and boost your overall happiness and well-being,” according to the American Heart Association.  

Pet owners, and particularly those with dogs, tend to benefit from the exercise they give their furry friends. 

“Dog parents are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions,” cites the American Heart Association. “In fact, dog parents are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking a week than non-dog owners.”

Walking, hiking or playing fetch can significantly improve cardiovascular health, stamina and overall fitness. People who live with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and are, therefore, less likely to develop heart disease. 

A cat’s purr falls between 20-150 Hz, a frequency used in sound therapy. Purring has been shown to cause vibrations that can lower a person’s blood pressure, lessen tension and even aid in healing. Exposure to pets, especially at a young age, can boost the immune system, building a tolerance for allergens and reducing the chances of developing asthma. 

Recovering from illness or injury? Studies show that snuggling up with a pet can reduce pain levels and accelerate recovery, particularly in patients recovering from surgery or chronic illnesses. 

While it depends on the pet and its nightly habits, some studies suggest that sleeping with Fifi or Fido could be beneficial. According to the Sleep Foundation, 56% of adults sleep with a pet in their bedroom and 35% of children share a bed with their pet. For those with anxiety-related insomnia, sleeping with a pet adds a sense of security that can be calming. Sleeping with pets increases oxytocin, which impacts how deeply we sleep. Studies have shown that the heartbeats of pets and their owners can sync up when sleeping, which can lead to a feeling of calmness and better sleep. Of course, if your pet’s snoring, scratching or licking keeps you awake, it’s best to sleep separately. 

“Loving and caring for a pet can give people a sense of purpose, companionship, and a reason to get up every day,” explained Dr. Diane Voytko, a family medicine doctor at Colorado Mountain Medical. “Taking a dog on regular walks can be great for weight management, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also promote social connection with other pet owners and a connection with nature and the outdoors. The benefits are many, including the love and laughter that comes with owning a pet!”
 

The Emotional & Psychological Benefits

Pet loyalists will attest to the pure love they feel for and from their furry friends. Dogs, in particular, are impressively attuned to their humans, and are able to understand not just the words we use, but the tone of our voice, as well as our body language and gestures. 

The American Psychiatric Association’s Healthy Minds Poll surveyed over 2,000 adults, 86% of which reported their pets had a positive impact on their mental health, citing several key benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, unconditional love and support, companionship, a calming presence and true friendship. 

Time spent with pets has been shown to increase oxytocin and dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemicals. Likewise, interacting with pets can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, lending a calming effect that leads to reduced stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression. It’s no wonder dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are emotional support companions that help combat feelings of loneliness, which in turn, reduces the incidence of depression. Having a pet can promote social interaction–trips to the dog park are a great way to make friends, for instance. Owning a pet is a responsibility that can offer a sense of purpose. It also teaches empathy and boosts self-esteem.

“One of my favorite interventions for patients grappling with chronic behavioral health issues is what I like to call the ‘pet prescription,’” said Dr. Paige Baker-Braxton, director of outpatient services at Vail Health Behavioral Health. “While pets are delightful companions, their value extends far beyond. They offer a motivating reason for those with depression to get out of bed in the morning. For those dealing with anxiety, pets help regulate the nervous system. For anyone feeling isolated, a pet can deliver feelings of love and companionship. Pets are not just companions; they are a profound source of emotional support and therapeutic relief."

Taking care of pets isn’t always easy, and the Healthy Minds Poll respondents reported stressing over their pets aging or passing away, their pets’ health, travel arrangements for their pets and healthcare-related expenses. Regardless, “the benefits of pet ownership to many Americans seem to outweigh the stressors,” according to the American Psychiatric Association’s CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A
 

Who Benefits Most

While it may seem that nearly every household in Eagle County has a pet, certain people benefit from the companionship more than others. Children who grow up with pets learn empathy, responsibility and compassion. Studies show that pet owners over the age of 65 visit their doctors 30% less than those without pets. Another study concluded that having a pet at home reduces stress in Alzheimer’s patients.

For years, service dogs have been recommended for people with physical disabilities and mental health conditions. Dogs are used to support people with mobility challenges, visual and hearing impairments, seizure disorders, diabetes and autism. Those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety also rely on service dogs to provide safety checks, remind their owners to take medication, wake them from nightmares, interrupt self-injurious behavior, comfort them and keep them from danger.

Cyndee Purdy is the unit coordinator for pet therapy at Vail Health. She brings her dog, Libra, to visit patients, families and staff in the hospital, infusion center and Jack’s Place, A Cancer Caring House. 

“People can’t wait to pet Libra and tell me about their pets. It makes them briefly forget about their stress and offers a good distraction,” she said. “It lowers their anxiety, offers a sense of happiness and has a calming effect. It makes their days!”
 

People & Their Pets

People have had pets for thousands of years. According to the 2023-24 National Pet Owners Survey, 66% of U.S. households, or 86.9 million families, own a pet. While welcoming a pet into your home demands a level of responsibility to their well-being, the physical and emotional rewards of their companionship and unconditional love are exponential.