We asked a panel of our members who have dogs or cats if they believe having a pet contributes to their health.1
Here’s what they said:
Research appears to support what our members said: having a pet may be good for your health. Pets can help:
Keep you active
Playing fetch or walking your dog can help you get to your daily exercise. Staying active with your pet has been linked to lower blood pressure.2
Reduce stress
Simply petting your cat or dog may help you relax and reduce the level of stress hormones in your body.3
Prevent loneliness
A pet can be a good companion, especially if you live alone. Having a dog can also help you connect with other people. You can visit your local dog park and meet other pet owners.4
Make you happier
Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression.5 Playing with your pet can elevate your serotonin and dopamine levels. These are nerve transmitters with pleasurable and calming properties…
“Now I want to adopt a pet.”
If that’s what you’re thinking, consider rescuing an animal from a local shelter. The Humane Society has several locations in Connecticut.
Sources:
An internal survey conducted among 193 ConnectiCare Advisory Council Members, June 2018. 1 Beck, A. M., & Katcher, A. H. (1996). Between pets and people: The importance of animal companionship. West Lafayette: Purdue University Press. Accessed, Aug. 27, 2018. 2 Beck, A. M., & Katcher, A. H. (1996). Between pets and people: The importance of animal companionship. West Lafayette: Purdue University Press. Accessed, Aug. 27, 2018. 3 WebMD accessed 08/21/2018 4 WebMD, accessed 08/21/2018 5
