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A cuddle a day helps keep the doctor away
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Enjoy the pet benefits of owning a cat or dog
By Dr. S.H. Sherkey
 A researcher once reported that after an elderly man’s dog passed away, his life deteriorated drastically. He no longer went to the park where he had walked his dog daily. He began to sleep in later and later each day. He became so depressed that he did not eat well and began to lose weight and look frail.
His friends realized that he was in poor health and took him to the local Humane Society to look at the various animals, in the hope that he would connect with one of them. Soon after adopting a small mixed-breed terrier, he became cheerful and began to eat better. He also resumed his early morning escapades to the park and started enjoying his life again.
An animal’s unconditional love has the ability to enrich our daily lives, decrease stress and relax us, as well as safeguard us against depression and loneliness. Their love can help fill a need for companionship and affection.
Any of you who own a pet likely recall coming home from a frustrating day at work and being greeted at the door by an energetic, playful dog or a purring cat. All of the day’s tension slowly melts away as you begin to gently stroke your loving companion. You may not realize it, but your pet’s stress-busting powers can have a positive effect on your physical health and mental well-being.
Studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than people who do not own a pet. A recent study from the University of Buffalo showed owning a dog or cat reduced blood pressure and stress levels in New York stockbrokers with high blood pressure. There is documented evidence that people who share their lives with animals have a significantly lower risk of heart attack and heart disease. In addition, people who care for pets have been shown to have a higher survival rate following coronary heart disease or bypass surgery.
Many doctors will recommend that if you suffer a heart attack or are prone to stress, a cuddle a day will help keep the doctor away. And if a hug or a cuddle from a two-legged companion is hard to come by, then a dog or a cat is the next best thing. Owning a dog in particular usually provides increased exercise due to walking and play activity outside. One researcher found that the average dog owner spends an hour or more a day outdoors than people who do not own a dog.
Studies have shown that when people talk to one another their blood pressure can rise. However, when talking to a pet, people have a decrease in blood pressure. A dog or cat can also help us cope with the loss of a loved one by making themselves available to be touched, hugged and cuddled without resistance. They give us the opportunity to talk out our sorrows and troubles and provide us with that feeling of intimacy which is so important for human existence. They can help us adapt to changing circumstances in our lives such as when ill health occurs.
A study performed by the International Journal of Aging and Human Development found that many elderly people felt strongly that if given a choice, they would not change residents if it meant having to give up their pet. Patients in hospitals or in nursing homes who have regular visits from their pets respond better to treatments and recover at a faster rate than patients who receive no pet visitors.
Animal visitation programs both in hospitals and nursing homes have demonstrated that patients “come alive”, their spirits lift, and become more mobile and active when pets are brought into the facility. Many patients in nursing homes who have lost a loved one and may have experienced various physical health problems often begin to feel lonely, depressed, unwanted, unloved and abandoned. But after handling a puppy that is completely accepting of everyone regardless of the wheelchair or any kind of physical or emotional handicap, they begin to thrive.
In another study, seniors who owned dogs visited the doctor less frequently than those who did not own a pet. In fact, out of 100 seniors, even the most stressed patient in the study had 21 fewer visits to their doctor than non-pet owners.
But seniors aren’t the only ones who gain from owning a pet. Studies have shown that children can benefit too:
• The companionship of a pet can help a child adjust to the serious illness and/or death of a parent as well as many other stressful situations that may occur.
• Children who have contact with pets tend to develop a more caring, compassionate and nurturing behaviour that is evident later in adult life.
• Children’s cognitive development can be enhanced by owning a pet.
• Seventy per cent of people in a recent survey found that family happiness and fun increased after acquiring a new family pet.
• Children owning a pet have been shown to be more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies and clubs.
Owning a pet is a wonderful experience but a responsibility nonetheless. The benefit to one’s health and longevity is immeasurable and should far outweigh the cost required to maintain the good health of an animal companion. Whatever your age, taking care of a pet has tremendous physical and emotional benefits. And remember, your life span may depend on it.
Dr. S. H. Sherkey is a veterinarian at Bayview Hill Animal Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
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