There’s nothing quite like coming home to a loyal companion. Beyond providing companionship, pets can help reduce stress, improve heart health, and even enhance children’s emotional and social skills.
An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. But who benefits the most from their presence? And which types of animals provide the greatest health advantages?
Over the past decade, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has partnered with the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute of Mars Corporation to fund research on human-animal relationships. Scientists have been studying the impact of various pets—from fish to dogs and cats—on both physical and mental health.
Health Benefits of Pets
While research in this field is still relatively new, studies have shown that interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and reduce blood pressure. Pet ownership has also been linked to decreased loneliness, increased social support, and improved mood.
The NIH-Mars alliance funds studies exploring how pets influence child development, particularly in children with autism, ADHD, and other conditions.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how a pet can help someone with a specific need,” explains Dr. Layla Esposito, director of NIH’s Human-Animal Interaction Research Program. “If someone wants to increase physical activity, having a dog could be beneficial since it requires daily walks. On the other hand, if the goal is stress reduction, watching fish swim can provide a calming effect.”
To better understand these dynamics, the NIH is conducting large-scale surveys on human-pet interactions and their impact on health.
“We’re looking at the emotional connection people have with their pets and how that translates into health benefits,” says Dr. James Griffin, a child development expert at the NIH.
Animals That Provide Emotional and Physical Support
Pets can also serve as a source of comfort and support. Therapy dogs, for example, are often brought to hospitals and nursing homes to help reduce anxiety and stress among patients.
“Their simple presence and affection can make a huge difference for someone going through a tough time,” says Dr. Ann Berger, a researcher at the NIH Clinical Center. Berger works with cancer and terminally ill patients, teaching them mindfulness techniques to manage stress and pain.
Researchers are also investigating the safety of allowing animals into hospitals. One ongoing study is examining whether therapy dogs can transfer harmful germs to children with cancer after their visits.
Pets in Education and Child Development
Pets can also play an important role in education. One study found that dogs help children with ADHD improve their focus. In a 12-week group therapy program, one group of children read aloud to therapy dogs, while another group read to dog-shaped puppets. The children who read to real dogs showed greater cooperation, participation, and social skills, along with fewer behavioral problems.
Another study found that children with autism were calmer and more socially engaged when playing with guinea pigs at school. Spending time with these animals reduced anxiety and improved interactions with peers.
“Animals can act as a bridge to improving communication and social skills,” Griffin explains, emphasizing the need for further research into these effects.
How Pets Impact Teen Health
Pets can also provide unexpected benefits. A recent study found that caring for fish helped teenagers with type 1 diabetes better manage their condition. By feeding their fish twice daily and changing the water weekly, the teens developed a structured routine, which led to improved monitoring of their blood glucose levels.
Not Every Pet is Right for Everyone
While pets offer numerous health benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Early exposure to animals can help prevent allergies and asthma in young children, but for those already allergic, living with certain pets could be harmful.
Moreover, pet ownership comes with responsibilities. Providing proper care and meeting an animal’s needs is crucial for its well-being. The NIH-Mars partnership also studies how human-animal interactions impact not just the owners but the pets themselves.
Researchers stress the importance of teaching children how to recognize animal stress signals and respect their boundaries. “Dog bites are a serious issue, especially for young children who may not understand the limits of interaction with an animal,” warns Esposito.
Conclusion
The study of pets’ impact on health is an evolving field. “We want to understand what works, what doesn’t, and what is safe for both humans and animals,” Esposito concludes.
A relationship with a pet can be life-changing, offering companionship, stress relief, and improvements in both mental and physical health. However, choosing the right pet and taking responsibility for its well-being are essential to ensuring a truly beneficial bond for both owner and animal.
