Living with a pet: 5 documented effects on health

This is the best-documented effect, particularly among dog owners. Daily walks, trips to the park, outdoor play: a dog imposes a regularity that few humans impose on themselves spontaneously. Santé publique France recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day for an adult. A review published in the British Medical Journal (Christian et al., 2013) had already noted that dog owners walked on average 22 minutes more per day than non-owners. The effect also exists, to a lesser extent, among owners of active cats or free-roaming rabbits.

A pet acts as a social facilitator: walking a dog multiplies spontaneous interactions with other owners, and a cat on the balcony becomes a topic of conversation with the neighbours. Inserm stresses that social isolation is a major risk factor for depression and cognitive decline in older people. The daily presence of a companion helps to structure the day, without replacing a trusted human relationship or medical follow-up.

Several controlled studies have measured a drop in cortisol after a few minutes of calm interaction with an animal, generally in 10 to 15 minute protocols carried out in university or hospital settings. In its recommendations on generalised anxiety, the HAS recognises the place of non-drug interventions such as physical activity or meditation. The presence of an animal belongs to this logic of behavioural modulation, without replacing treatment in the case of a diagnosed anxiety disorder.

Animal-assisted intervention programmes have developed in France in care homes, paediatric hospitals and psychiatric departments. Several small-scale studies suggest a benefit for mood and communication, particularly among patients with autism spectrum or cognitive disorders. The non-specific nature of these interventions makes the conclusions cautious: the presence of an animal treats neither depression, nor ADHD, nor autism, but it can form part of overall care, alongside validated therapies.

A large Swedish cohort study of 3.4 million people published in Scientific Reports (Mubanga et al., 2017) observed an association between dog ownership and a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. These data remain observational: part of the effect probably comes from the profile of people who adopt an animal, who are more active and younger on average. The American Heart Association has recognised this association while calling for caution regarding any idea of “prescribing a dog” as a medical intervention.

These benefits assume that the animal is properly integrated into the household and that its own needs are respected: suitable feeding, annual veterinary follow-up, daily stimulation, a safe environment with no accessible toxins (chocolate, grapes, xylitol). Adopting an animal remains a demanding decision in terms of lifespan, veterinary costs and day-to-day organisation.

On CBD for animals, one point deserves clarifying: no CBD-based veterinary medicine has a marketing authorisation issued by the ANMV in France. These products remain hemp-based supplements, with no officially validated dose, and THC remains toxic to dogs and cats even at low doses. Any use must remain exceptional, on veterinary advice, with an isolate certified free of THC.

Does adopting an animal really improve mental health?

Several studies observe a positive association between the presence of an animal and psychological well-being, particularly among isolated people. This association does not mean that an animal treats depression or anxiety: it complements overall care, it does not replace it.

How much physical activity does a dog add on average?

Studies converge on 20 to 30 minutes of additional walking a day among dog owners, which covers the minimum threshold recommended by Santé publique France.

Are the benefits the same for a cat?

Cats bring documented benefits in emotional terms and for the modulation of stress, but the effect on physical activity is smaller than for a dog. Research on this point remains active but still preliminary.

Can CBD improve my animal's health?

No French veterinary authority has validated a therapeutic use of CBD in animals. Any use should be considered on veterinary advice, with a THC-free product and a dose suited to the animal's weight.

To explore our selection of hemp-based supplements for animals, [see our range for animals](/categorie-produit). CBD is not a veterinary medicine in France.