Why Owning Pets Is The Best Medicine

Pet owners report feeling happier and appear to cope with grief, stress and loss better than non-pet owners; and those that share their abode with a pet have been shown to have higher self-esteem.

Dogs are boffins at building social networks within the community; creating opportunities for greater social interaction - most dog owners have experienced chatting to a complete stranger about their pooches' quirks and habits. This interaction is especially beneficial when work and distance leave less time for family and friends.

Adults aren’t the only ones that benefit from pet ownership. Research shows growing up with a dog assist in the social development of children, improving both social skills and self-esteem and providing daily opportunities to learn responsibility, empathy and respect by living with and caring for a dog.

The stats also show teenagers who own pets have a more positive outlook on life and report less loneliness, restlessness, despair and boredom.

Physically speaking, the health benefits of pets are varied.  Research has shown that owning a pet can improve cardiovascular health - from lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and in men, lower cholesterol.  

Number crunches have shown children who have pets are less likely to miss days of school due to illness, and growing up with a dog during infancy may help to strengthen the immune system and may reduce the risk of allergies. Research has also suggested pet owners enjoy fewer visits to the doctor.