{"id":10795,"date":"2023-04-19T09:16:54","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T16:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=10795"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:37:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:37:32","slug":"top-5-health-benefits-of-having-a-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/top-5-health-benefits-of-having-a-pet","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Health Benefits of Having a Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We all want our pets to live the best lives possible. Besides providing you with bedtime purr sessions and slobbery kisses, have you ever stopped to think about the health benefits of pets?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is evidence to suggest that human-animal interaction may increase your quality of life. Take a look at the ways pet ownership can improve your overall well-being every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Physical Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"944\" height=\"631\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/dog-on-a-walk-1.jpg\" alt=\"dog on a walk\" class=\"wp-image-13143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/dog-on-a-walk-1.jpg 944w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/dog-on-a-walk-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/dog-on-a-walk-1-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve been looking for a new exercise routine, look no further than your four-legged friend. Dogs (and cats!) need regular low-impact exercise to keep them in shape. Dog ownership means getting to regularly accompany them on walks, hikes, and park adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dog owners walk an average of 22 minutes more per day, according to a study from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12889-017-4422-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>BMC Public Health<\/em><\/a>. In addition to our own physical activity, pet owners spend extra time exercising their pets on daily walks. This means double the workouts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Mental Health Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a good reason therapy animals are so effective. Pets can lower stress and recognize signs of panic attacks. They have even <a href=\"https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2018\/02\/power-pets#:~:text=Possible%20Health%20Effects,hormone)%20and%20lower%20blood%20pressure.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">been shown to<\/a> reduce levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and lower high blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those of us suffering from depression can form a special bond with animals. This can help heal trauma, provide motivation and create healthy companionships. It\u2019s important to keep our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/separation-anxiety-in-pets.html\">mental health<\/a> in check. Having your furry friend by your side can reap emotional benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Social Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pets can have positive effects on your social interactions. If you\u2019re on a walk or at the pet store, chances are someone will stop to gush about how adorable your pet is. Cats and dogs can be great icebreakers while you\u2019re out and about and help prevent social isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re more inclined to start a conversation with a stranger when you get to talk about your favorite subject\u2013your pet! In the 2015 study&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0122085\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>The Pet Factor<\/em><\/a>, over 80 percent of the participants said \u201cthey had got to know people in their neighborhood whom they didn\u2019t know previously\u201d just by going outside with their pets. More years, more life\u2026more friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Heart Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your feline companions are cardiologists in disguise! Studies suggest that cats decrease our risks of stroke, heart disease, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research performed by the\u00a0University of Minnesota\u2019s Stroke Institute<em>\u00a0<\/em>in Minneapolis showed that non-cat owners are 30 to 40 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular concerns. Many scientists attribute these findings to cats calm nature, low-maintenance care, and ability to lower our heart rate and stress levels simply by being their furry selves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old wives\u2019 tales have led us to believe that surrounding ourselves with pets would increase our allergies. Contrary to popular belief, early exposure to pets can actually help boost immunity and prevent allergy-related symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A study by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1046\/j.1365-2222.1999.00534.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Clinical and Experimental Allergy\u00a0<\/em><\/a>showed that children exposed to pets within the first year of life were less likely to have allergies and asthma problems as adults. So, introducing pets to the immune system early may set your family up for many loving pets to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The human-animal bond is a significant one&#8211;unconditional love goes a long way for your oxytocin. Our companion animals can give us a lot to be grateful for! How do you experience the benefits of pet ownership?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blog Post Written By:<br>Jasmine Kemper<br><em>JustFoodForDogs Nutrition Consultant<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Owning a pet can positively impact both your physical and mental health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":10796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[71,80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[294],"class_list":["post-10795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - 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Dr. Chavez's career is founded on a deep commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles.","url":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/author\/dr-oscar-chavez-mrcvs-mba"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/top-5-health-benefits-of-having-a-pet#local-main-organization-logo","url":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jffd-logo-blue.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jffd-logo-blue.png","width":2755,"height":315,"caption":"JustFoodForDogs"}]}},"authors":[{"term_id":294,"user_id":36,"is_guest":0,"slug":"dr-oscar-chavez-mrcvs-mba","display_name":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, MRCVS MBA","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/dr-oscar-chavez.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/dr-oscar-chavez.jpg"},"author_category":"1","first_name":"Dr. Oscar","last_name":"Chavez, MRCVS MBA","job_title":"Veterinarian & Former Chief Medical Officer","edu_1":"BVetMed, Royal Veterinary College, University of London (2006)","edu_2":"MBA, University of California, Irvine (2012)","education_3":"MRCVS \u2014 licensed practicing veterinarian","exp_1":"Former Chief Medical Officer, JustFoodForDogs; former Chief of Staff at Banfield","exp_2":"Professor of veterinary clinical nutrition and adjunct faculty at Cal Poly Pomona; former Director of its Animal Health Science veterinary technician program (2010\u20132013)","experience_3":"Served on the Multidisciplinary and Registered Veterinary Technician Committees, California State Veterinary Medical Board","author_bio":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA lead our Canine Nutrition Team as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs LLC. Dr. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world\u2019s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at\u00a0California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 \u2013 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master\u2019s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey\u2019s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet-directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez\u2019s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, \u201cIt all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher-quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I\u2019m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-oscar-chavez-realtor","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA, is a veterinarian and business executive who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs, leading its Canine Nutrition Team. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, he has focused on clinical nutrition since vet school \u2014 researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole-food diets during his years at Cal Poly Pomona. His commitment to nutrition is personal as well as professional: his own Golden Retriever, Rey, had kidney disease successfully managed on a vet-directed renal diet. Dr. Chavez's career is founded on a deep commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10795"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10795\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10795"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=10795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}