Should you keep a pet? Here’s why
By Dan Kauna, June 26, 2026In many homes, animals are kept strictly for work.
Dogs stay outside by the gate to sound the alarm if a stranger approaches, while cats roam the store to hunt down mice. This setup makes perfect practical sense.
However, welcoming these animals into our living spaces as real companions can actually improve our health. Moving from treating a dog purely as a security guard to seeing them as a friend brings proven medical benefits.
How a pet changes your body chemistry
Medical research shows that treating animals as companions creates a deep emotional connection that changes your body chemistry.
When you play with or stroke an animal, your body quickly cuts down the production of cortisol, which is the hormone responsible for stress. Lowering your stress levels prevents sudden spikes in blood pressure and helps your heart function better.
The American Heart Association looked closely at this connection in a scientific statement published in 2013. Dr Glenn Levine, who led the research team, explained that “pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.”
By simply allowing a dog to become a close household companion, you give your heart a reliable shield against chronic illness.
Free workouts and a shield against loneliness
Taking care of a companion pet also changes your daily habits in a healthy way. For instance, a dog needs regular walks, which forces you to get out and move.
Instead of paying Sh5,000 every month for a gym membership that you might rarely use, walking your dog gives you a free, active routine. This daily exercise helps lower bad cholesterol and keeps your weight in check.
Beyond physical fitness, a close bond with a pet protects your mental wellbeing. Life in Kenya can be fast and stressful, especially when balancing work and bills in busy towns.
Coming home to an animal that is genuinely happy to see you releases oxytocin, a chemical that instantly calms your mind.
While a guard dog keeps physical threats away from your compound, an indoor companion pet helps fight off loneliness and anxiety.
Shifting how we view our domestic animals might just be the simplest way to live a healthier, longer life.