Owning A Dog Is Good For Mental And Physical Health

London, England (AHN) - A scientist said Monday that owning a dog is beneficial for the mental and physical health of the owner. Dr. Deborah Wells, a senior lecturer at the Canine Behavior Center of Queens University in Belfast, said a study of dog owners showed they have lower cholesterol and blood pressure and fewer minor physical ailments than people who do not own dogs. People who have dogs are also less likely to develop serious medical problems, she said.

Wells' research was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology. She reviewed several studies on pet owners and found that a pet dog helps their owners recover more quickly from serious illnesses, including heart attacks.

She cited a 1995 study that claimed dog owners were 8.6 percent more likely to survive a year after suffering a heart attack than those who do not own a dog.

According to chinaview.cn, Wells said, "It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress. The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."

Wells also says, dogs could also serve as "early-warning systems" for more serious diseases, such as cancer and epilepsy.

The website healthyexpressions.com states that pets help alleviate depression or loneliness through the simple daily routine of care giving.

The website says that simple acts like buying food for and exercising pets can provide a real sense of purpose and encourage people to get out more. Pets also can help people deal with the loss of a loved one with their calming presence.

Pets can also provide comfort and lessen loneliness for people missing a spouse, close friend or relative. Touching or stroking pets can uplift the owner's spirits and help ease everyday problems, the website says.

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