The best prescription for well-being might be wagging its tail at your front door. Sharing your life with a pet can make you healthier and happier. Lower blood pressure, reduced stress and increased joy are just a few perks of having a furry, four-legged companion.

Positive interactions with a wide range of animals can trigger uplifting feelings, but humans have long lived in harmony with dogs in particular. The timing and location of when dogs first cohabited with humans are often debated. However, genetic studies and archaeological evidence suggest that the domestication of dogs may have occurred between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago.

According to the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, 45.5% of U.S. households own a dog. Given the large number of dogs (89.7 million) in the U.S., there’s a wealth of research on the benefits of having a dog.

Photos courtesy of Carrie Lehtonen

A dog can be a loving companion, protector, friend, loyal sidekick and fellow adventurer. They can ease your anxiety, lick your tears when you’re sad or share in your joy when you’re happy. Dogs are part of the family and add another dimension to life.

Studies have shown that having a dog can help people live longer. A meta-analysis published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, which analyzed data from multiple studies conducted between 1950 and 2019, found that dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduced risk of dying from any cause and a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular-related issues compared to non-dog owners. A series of studies have suggested a link between dog ownership and lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease.

While dog owners who walk their dogs regularly are more likely to meet recommended exercise guidelines and maintain or lose weight, the benefits extend beyond physical health. Pets can also enhance mental health, reducing stress while improving mood.

Interacting with a dog can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the feel-good hormone), promoting bonding and combating loneliness. Dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be especially beneficial for those living alone. Even simple interactions like petting or playing with a dog can boost feelings of happiness.

Dogs can act as social catalysts, making it easier for people to connect with others while out for walks or at dog parks. In today’s environment, where one in five people report feelings of loneliness, the increased social interaction that comes with pet ownership is important. The Surgeon General has declared a loneliness epidemic in the U.S., and 20% of U.S. adults in Gallup’s recent quarterly data indicate feeling lonely “a lot of the day.”

Caring for a pet fosters routine, purpose and responsibility. My dog, Ella, with whom I spent 15 wonderful years from age 28 to 43, faced the world with me as I experienced dating mishaps, survived a heart attack, started a business and moved to the mountains. Through the changes, Ella’s zest for life, unwavering loyalty and determination in the face of her own health challenges taught me valuable lessons about resilience, finding joy and living life to the fullest. Our bond impacted my life so much that I even published a book about the lessons I learned from her.

If you’re looking for a workout buddy who never complains, a therapist who listens without judgment and a friend who’s always happy to see you (even after you’ve been away for just five minutes), consider welcoming a pet into your life. Pet ownership offers the simple yet profound gifts of unconditional love, companionship and a connection that makes life a little brighter.

Carrie Lehtonen
Health Coach + Yoga Teacher
@fireflycommunity | fireflycommunity.com