Healthy with Your Furry Friend: How Dogs and Cats Are Good for You

Exercise that doesn't feel like sports

Drizzle, fog, dark by five o’clock—and yet you’re still out there? With a dog, there’s no such thing as “I’d rather not today.” That’s exactly what makes the difference. Swiss physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and brisk walking is specifically included in that. If you take your dog for a brisk 20-minute walk every day, you’ve practically already met that goal.

There is one small catch, though: The dog provides the motivation; you’re the one who has to hold the leash. If you’re just stepping outside for a moment, you’re hardly moving any more than people without dogs. If you’d like to make your walk a little more active, check out our 15-minute workout for you and your dog—it’s full of simple exercises you can do on the go.

What Studies on Dog Owners Reveal

Large-scale studies from Sweden are particularly interesting. Because all dogs must be registered there, researchers were able to compare the health data of several million people—both dog owners and non-dog owners. The result: Dog owners had a lower overall risk of death and were hospitalized less frequently for cardiovascular diseases. The effect was most pronounced among people who live alone; their risk of death was about one-third lower.

But it’s not quite that simple. Researchers from the University of Basel and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute surveyed more than 2,300 adults in Switzerland. Their conclusion: People who have a pet aren’t automatically healthier or happier. They suspect that people who are stressed or lonely are particularly likely to get a pet to find a sense of stability. And they discovered something else: People who spend a lot of time with their pets feel happier on average. Exercise, quality time together, and social interaction—that’s exactly what your heart loves.

Cats: Your haven of peace on four paws

And what about cats? You don’t take them for walks, but they do bring a sense of calm to your daily life. Anyone who’s sat with a purring cat on their lap after a long day knows the feeling. However, research on cats is significantly more limited than that on dogs, and there’s hardly any reliable data on the physical effects. The same principle applies here: it’s the time you spend together that counts. Playing, cuddling, and getting to know each other is good for both of you. Our guide to cat language will help you understand your cat even better.

Less isolation, more structure

Whether it's a dog or a cat, a pet gives your day a rhythm. In the morning, someone wants to be fed; in the evening, someone is waiting at the door. Especially during the dark months of the year, this routine can be worth its weight in gold. And walking the dog gets you out into the daylight, even on gloomy days.

Have you ever counted how many people you strike up a conversation with while walking your dog? A dog is the perfect icebreaker. This is also confirmed by the “Beloved” study from the University of Zurich, which followed people over 65 who own dogs: Living with a dog can reduce loneliness and increase life satisfaction. This is especially valuable for people who live alone.

Health is not a one-way street

Your furry friend does so much for you. It’s even better when you can give something back: with regular preventive care, the right vaccinations for your dog or cat, and effective protection against parasites. After all, your health is more closely linked than you might think. Some pathogens can actually be transmitted between animals and humans. Find out which ones these are and how you can protect yourself and your four-legged friend in our article on zoonoses.

Our tip: Does your pet seem different than usual, and are you unsure whether a visit to the vet is necessary? As a Calingo customer, you can contact our online vet 24/7 with no limits and get a quick, expert assessment.

How Your Furry Friend Can Help Your Health

Having a dog gets you moving more. The daily walk brings you closer to the Swiss recommendation of 150 minutes of exercise per week without even trying. Studies also show that dog owners have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and people who live alone benefit the most. As you get older, a dog can also help reduce loneliness.

And your cat? It might not make you any fitter, but the time you spend together counts: People who spend a lot of time with their pets generally feel happier. Whether it’s a dog or a cat, it’s not the pet alone that matters, but what you experience together.

Your furry friend takes care of you, and you take care of them. With Calingo pet insurance, you'll be well prepared even if they ever get sick or injured.