Editor’s Note::In “Hey, Health Coach,” Sarah Hays Coomer answers reader questions about the intersection of health and overall well-being. Have a question? Send her a message (and don’t forget to use a sleuthy pseudonym!).
Hey, Health Coach,
I got divorced last year and now I live alone. I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, but I’ve never had one before. I’m nervous about it, so I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision I might regret. I like walking and thought having a dog might help get me up and out more often, but I know it’s a lot of responsibility. I wonder: How can having a dog influence my health?
– First-Time Dog Mom
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Dear First-Time Dog Mom,
I have to confess to bias with this one—I am a lifelong animal lover. As I wrote in my most recent book The Habit Trip, “If you lose track of me at a cocktail party, look under the table. I’m probably on the floor, bedazzled with fur, talking to the resident pets.”
However, I’ll do my best to step away from my personal bias so we can look at the evidence about how pet ownership can influence your health. (This equanimity is no small task, so I’ll need to sit up straighter and put on my glasses.)
First of all, thank you for being so thoughtful and cautious about this decision. Many animals are returned or abandoned after people recognize the ongoing responsibility of adoption. You’ve already listed several pros and cons, so if you decide to adopt, you’re in a much better position than folks who jump in blind.
As you consider the information below, remember that many shelters and animal rescue groups offer trial periods for new pet parents to ensure a good match. Some even require it before they let you sign the final paperwork. They don’t want animals to end up in unhappy situations, so if you ever feel undue pressure as you’re looking for a new companion, don’t hesitate to reach out to a different organization.
Pet Ownership and Physical Health
The most obvious benefit of getting a dog is the one you mentioned in your question. If you want a happy companion, dogs do require walking.
According to a 2019 study in Scientific Reports, dog owners are four times more likely than people who don’t own dogs to meet physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week[1]. Echoing that research, a study out of Purdue University showed that, on average, dog owners walk 160 minutes and four times a week, respectively[2].
Of course, all of that walking can have a positive impact on your health. Research shows walking regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight; reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes, and improve endurance, muscle and bone strength, energy levels, mood, cognition, memory, sleep and immune function.
Physical activity aside, evidence on whether pet ownership alone can improve human health is too sparse to be conclusive, but research from the American Journal of Cardiology does show that owners of both dogs and cats have a decreased risk of hypertension[3].
You may also recall news reports from a few years ago stating that kids growing up in households with pets had reduced likelihood for allergies and asthma as they got older. That research sparked debate, but, early childhood pet ownership appears to be protective at best and neutral at worst regarding allergies[4].
However, for those who already have active allergies, keep in mind that pets can increase the risk of asthma.
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Pet Ownership and Mental Health
Most of us have witnessed the healing power of pets in visiting retirement homes or pediatric hospital wards and seeing the strong bond soldiers and police officers report with their service animals. Many of my private clients have deep, healing bonds with their pets, caring for them as essential members of the family.
Pets offer reliable companionship, and dogs, in particular, can connect us with other canine parents through shared interests and activities, such as trips to the dog park or encounters on the street where pups insist on pausing to get to know each other.
Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests pet ownership can increase a person’s self-esteem, social support network and sense of well-being. The authors write that having a pet is shown to “stave off negativity caused by social rejection[5].” And according to a study in Aging Mental Health, pet owners are 36% less likely than non-pet owners to report feelings of loneliness[6].
However, not all pets are easy, little love nuggets. Some have serious behavioral or health problems, which can be quite stressful to manage. The trial period I mentioned above can give you a chance to screen for challenges that might be too much to handle on your own.
Other Considerations
There are a few additional factors to keep in mind when pondering the idea of adopting a pet.
- Protection: If you’re nervous about living alone or taking walks around the neighborhood by yourself, a dog might offer an increased sense of safety.
- Financial demands: Pet ownership can be expensive. Food, treats, toys, veterinary care, training and boarding all cost money. If you can afford it, pet insurance offers some protection against unexpected medical expenses. Just be sure to read the fine print to make sure you’re getting the coverage you expect.
- Travel concerns: If you travel a lot or work away from home most days, you might need support for dog walking or long-term dog sitting.
- Outdoor space: Most dogs appreciate having access to run and play outdoors. A fenced yard is wonderful, but lots of happy apartment dwellers can tell you that they keep their dogs satisfied with frequent walks and trips to the park.
- Puppies: Puppies are bananas! They’re also adorable. If you have the bandwidth for training and a willingness to roll with whatever personality or full-grown size emerges, a puppy can be a great adventure. If you want a more predictable experience, adult dogs are very much in need of adoption, and many arrive housetrained and ready to snuggle.
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Companionship
Your thoughtfulness is apparent, First-Time Dog Mom, which makes me think you would make a caring and capable pet parent. As you mentioned, getting a dog is a lot of responsibility, but the dividends can be enormous. Very little in this world is as honest and delightful as the love and adoration of a dog for their person.
If and when the time is right, I hope you find the perfect, furry, four-legged friend.
“Hey, Health Coach” is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about your personal situation, health or medical condition.
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