Dogs good for health

New study highlights the many benefits of pet ownership

HAVING a pet dog decreases loneliness, improves your mood and increases physical activity, Sydney University researchers have found.

Researchers from the university’s Charles Perkins Centre and RSPCA NSW found new dog owners reported lower levels of loneliness within three months of getting a dog, as well as a reduction in negative moods.

Results were based on a new trial which followed 71 Sydneysiders over an eightmonth period, comparing the mental wellbeing of new dog owners with those who had no intention of getting a dog.

In a YouGov Galaxy Poll conducted for Dogs of Oz, 78 per cent of participants said dogs offered emotional support, while 71 per cent agreed a dog can help you de-stress.

“We have found that dog ownership can improve feelings of loneliness and can help people increase their physical activity,” Emmanuel Stamatakis, senior research fellow at the Charles Perkins Centre, told The Chronicle.

“Assuming that is done properly and for the right reasons, the coexistence of dogs and humans can be hugely beneficial for both species.

“Physical activity and dog walking are great examples – dogs can help us humans combat the pandemic of physical inactivity while we serve some of their greatest needs – sensory enrichment through exploring the neighbourhood or local parks.”

He said more Australians lived in cities and were living longer but had fewer interactions with other humans.

“Loneliness is a big – and will become an even bigger – problem in our society,” Prof

Stamatakis said.

“We know how it can compromise both physical and mental health. For example, chronic loneliness can lead to higher risk of developing heart disease.

“The finding that dog ownership may reduce loneliness is one of the most exciting outcomes of our research.

“Dogs can be a catalyst for more social interactions – two dog owners walking their dogs are a lot more likely to pause and chat to each other than two people without dogs.

“However, owning a dog is a big responsibility. Under no circumstances should anyone go and get a dog only because they think the dog will make them happier or healthier.”

With 39 per cent of Australian households owning a dog, the study’s lead author, Lauren Powell, said the small trial shed light on potential health benefits of dog ownership.

“Some previous research has shown that human-to-dog interactions can have benefits in settings like nursing homes using therapy dogs, however, there is very little research looking at the impact for everyday dog owners interacting with their dog at home,” Ms Powell said.

Does your dog have the XFactor? Is your pooch the pick of the pound? We are on the search for Australia’s Top Dog.

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