The link between pet ownership and a stronger immune system

For many UK households, pets are beloved family members that give us companionship and joy. However, research increasingly suggests that our furry friends offer benefits that go beyond emotional support, and they might actually strengthen our immune systems. According to the UK Pet Food Association, approximately 34 per cent of UK households own dogs, and 28 per cent own cats, which means that millions of Britons could be experiencing these health benefits without even realising it.

1. The Hygiene Hypothesis: Early Exposure Benefits

The hygiene hypothesis, first proposed in 1989, suggests that early exposure to various microorganisms helps train our immune systems properly. This means that children who grow up in environments that are too clean might develop immune systems that overreact to harmless substances, potentially leading to allergies and autoimmune conditions. Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants exposed to dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats, during their first year showed reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life. Pet owners often note that creating comfortable environments for their animals, including providing luxury dog beds, minimises pet hair distribution around the home, which in turn helps maintain the beneficial aspects of pet ownership while managing cleanliness.

2. Pets as natural stress relievers: The indirect boost to immunity

Chronic stress suppresses immune function by releasing cortisol, which inhibits the body’s inflammatory response to pathogens. So, interaction with pets has been consistently shown to lower stress hormone levels in humans. In fact, a study by Washington State University shows that just 10 minutes of petting a dog lowers cortisol levels during high-stress periods. This stress relief means improved immune markers, including higher immunoglobulin A levels, which protect mucous membranes from infection.

3. Enhanced microbial diversity: The beneficial bacteria effect

The microbiome—the collection of microorganisms living in and on our bodies—are very important when it comes to our immune function. Nature states that homes with pets have greater microbial diversity than pet-free homes, exposing residents to a wider range of bacteria. This exposure is beneficial for developing immune systems.

While the evidence points toward immune benefits from pet ownership, maintaining proper hygiene is still important. So, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate parasite prevention, and good household cleaning practices guarantee that pet-related exposure remains beneficial rather than harmful.

The research suggests that our relationship with pets is a return to a more natural coexistence with the microbial world—one that our immune system evolved alongside for thousands of years. In our modern world, with our over-sanitised environments, pets can provide just the right level of microbial exposure to keep our immune system properly calibrated and functioning at their best. But, as with everything, there needs to be a balance.