THE TOP 7 BENEFITS OF OWNING A PET
CONSIDERING ADOPTING A FURRY FRIEND? HERE ARE SOME NEW REASONS WHY IT’S A GREAT IDEA
New research shows having a pet in the family helps heart health, reduces stress and can quell loneliness, plus more. We looked into the most recent studies and asked for expert advice from Dr Margie Roser, a specialist veterinarian who works for Vetnostics in Canberra, on the benefits of owning a pet.
QUELL LONELINESS
Recent research from the University of Sydney found new dog owners saw a significant reduction in loneliness within three months of acquiring their pet. The researchers also found some evidence to suggest new dog owners experience a reduction in negative mood.
“Dogs are great companions and are generally regarded as another family member,” says Margie. And there’s the added social benefits of dog walking.
“Walking your dog can be a very social activity and people are 10 times more likely talk to you when you are walking your dog,” says Margie.
REDUCE ASTHMA
“Kids exposed to dogs early in life are less likely to develop asthma,” says Margie.
Scientists have revealed that exposure to dogs during early life may reduce asthma symptoms in childhood. The study investigated how dog exposure affected asthma severity in children with the condition with researchers finding that children who were exposed to bacteria and other particles from a dog experienced a reduction in asthma symptoms.
A LONGER LIFE
According to a study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, dog ownership is linked to a 21 per cent reduction in the risk of
death. Interacting with a dog makes you happy. You only need to see the faces of hospital or nursing home residents when a dog enters the building.
“Dogs love us unconditionally, and feeling loved is linked to living longer and recovering faster from illness,” says Margie.
THEY PROTECT US
Owning a dog, regardless of size, is a deterrent to home invaders, so not only do they love us, they protect us too, according to Margie.
“I have a beautiful little Cairn terrier, who makes me smile every time I get home. She is so excited to see me and it gives me great joy to come home to such happiness,” she says.
“She also stopped a house intruder coming into our house recently, her 9kg of bark was enough to scare him away! We are so grateful for her bravery.”
A HEALTHIER HEART
Recently researchers looked over a 12-year period at more than 100,000 dog owners in Sweden who have cardiovascular disease.
They adjusted for the kinds of things we know affect cardiovascular health such as age, demographics, socioeconomic status, marital status, number of children at home – and even after taking all of that into account, they found a benefit in dog ownership.
In fact, they found that the companionship of a dog is possibly very important to their heart health.
“Dog owners are also more likely to lead healthier lifestyles and are at less risk of heart disease,” says Margie.
REDUCE STRESS
New research shows just patting a cat or dog reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
According to a journal by the American Educational Research Association, 249 college students were recruited and split into groups, with one group spending time with cats and dogs for 10 minutes, stroking and playing with the animals. The students who interacted with the animals were found to have significantly lower cortisol levels.
“Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact,” reported study co-author Patricia Pendry.
MORE EXERCISE
It’s an obvious benefit but one that can really make a difference. When you own a dog you will get more exercise as you have a very good reason to get outdoors every day. That morning or afternoon dog walk (or both) becomes a routine that benefits both you and your furry friend. Another benefit of exercising with the hound? Children who walk and interact with dogs have been shown to have better social skills.