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Can a Pet Keep You Healthier?

Having a pet in your life can contribute to a healthier human lifestyle and the scientific proof is growing. Recent U.S. and European studies have found that infants who share a home with at least one pet are less likely to develop allergies to animals, dust mites, grasses and pollens later in childhood.

According to Dr. Holly Frisby, of the Veterinary Services Department at Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc., pets increase longevity after heart attacks. Dog ownership increases the odds for survival in persons who have had a heart attack from one in 15 to one in 87.

Pet ownership also has increased the percentage of people who survived at least one year after hospitalization for heart problems. Only six percent of non-pet owners survived, versus 28 percent of persons with pets. Pet ownership may be only one variable that influences improved survival, but even a two to three percent difference makes it something to consider.

Persons with pets have been found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to those who did not have pets, even when matched for weight, diet and smoking habits.

Dogs have been shown to reduce blood pressure. Stockbrokers who had dogs or cats in their offices when they had to carry out stressful tasks had smaller increases in blood pressure than those who did not have a pet present.

The use of prescription drugs and the overall cost of caring for patients in nursing homes dropped in those facilities where companion animals became part of the therapy.

People who have periodic seizures have reported that their dogs can sense the onset of a seizure before they can. Dogs can be trained to recognize some type of change prior to a seizure, and signal the owner of the imminent seizure. These dogs are called “seizure-alert” or “seizure-response” dogs, and can be trained to signal their owners from 15 to 45 minutes prior to a seizure.

Parkinson's patients experience tremors and stiffness, but they also face a problem called “freezing.” Their feet freeze in place while the rest of their body keeps moving, causing them to fall. Parkinson’s helper dogs have been trained to identify when a person with Parkinson’s is “freezing.” If the dog touches the person’s foot, it breaks the freeze and the person can continue walking. In addition to breaking the “freeze,” the dogs are taught to prevent their partners from falling by counterbalancing and helping them regain their footing.

And here’s one that sounds like tabloid fantasy. A dog in Florida named George has been reported to be able to detect a particular smell given off by certain skin tumors called malignant melanomas. George can sniff out this cancer with close to 100 percent accuracy.

Pets keep our emotional psyche on track too. Pet owners turn to them for comfort, safety, pleasure and exercise. Pet owners tend to be less anxious and have lower blood pressure than those who don’t have a pet. Watching fish in an aquarium, or birds can be very soothing. Petting a dog or cat is relaxing for both the human and the pet.

Children and grieving adults often turn to pets for comfort if a friend or family member dies.

Pets also decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. Nursing home residents are more apt to smile, talk, reach out to people and objects, be attentive and alert if animals are present.

So, if you wish to increase your chances of staying healthy, the prescription is simple - include a pet in your life.