Pets & Your Health

by David Horkey | Oct 31, 2007

It goes without saying that pets make great companions for people of all ages. Animals enrich our emotional lives on a daily basis by giving us unconditional love and support and asking little in return. You might be surprised, however, to learn how much of an impact pets have on our physical well-being. Scientifi c studies now show that animals not only keep us company but also make us happier and healthier throughout our lives. 

Many studies of the animal-human bond use blood pressure to gauge physical benefits. In each case, interaction with pets—whether stroking a dog or watching fish swim in a tank—led to lower blood pressure readings in the human subjects. The reduction in blood pressure is equivalent to that gained by eating a low salt diet or cutting down on alcohol consumption. The mere presence of a pet also has been shown to reduce an individual’s heart beat rate. 

Other studies have determined that pet owners have lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners, and therefore are at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. This fact, combined with the reduction in blood pressure from being with a pet, may make pet owners less prone to heart attacks than non-pet owners. Similarly, a Mayo Clinic report concluded that pet owners live longer after heart attacks than people without pets. 

Pets not only make an impact from a physical perspective, but are a boon to our overall psychological health as well. Animals have been used by psychiatrists and psychologists for many years to help improve patient’s mental health. Informally, owners typically talk to their animals as if they were human. This allows owners to unload their problems, fears and concerns to their pets without fear of being judged. Quite simply, pet’s make the best confidants because they are always good listeners, never give bad advice and are always supportive. 

Studies conducted with senior citizens indicate that pet ownership can help relieve symptoms of depression. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation, and are more active than those who do not own pets. Activity levels increased regardless of the kind of pet the individuals owned. 

In addition, seniors living alone say they are less lonely and report fewer minor health problems. Seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 100 Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed dog owners in the study had 21 percent fewer physician’s contacts than non-dog owners. 

Although there are health benefits associated with owning nearly every type of pet, it is easiest to measure those experienced by dog owners. One study of new pet owners found that all of them initially had an increased sense of well-being, regardless of the kind of animal. But, in the same study, only dog owners continued to feel this way over time. One reason could be because the owners received regular exercise and connected with other people on daily walks. 

Some health care facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals allow pets to visit as a form of therapy. Animals with soft fur and warm bodies are perfect for hugging and cuddling. The act of stroking fur can be almost hypnotically relaxing. Surprisingly, interaction with horses can be especially beneficial to physically handicapped people as well as autistic children who respond well to riding. The large animal’s fur coat combined with the rhythmic action of riding can provide a soothing experience for riders. 

Any gentle domestic animal can qualify as a therapy pet wherever people need comfort. In the weeks following September 11, therapy dogs were brought to designated rest areas at Ground Zero so that rescue workers could enjoy the solace of talking to and petting these animals. Psychologists often see cases in which pets help people through the roughest times, in part by giving them a sense of purpose. Making the effort to care for a pet on a regular basis provides a feeling of fulfillment. 

If you’re not already a pet owner, you may want to consider adding a new member to your family. The only tough part is deciding which type of pet you want, and which one you want to take home. And, if you already own a pet, be sure to give your companion some extra love and attention today to thank them for keeping you happier and healthier!