Pet Ownership? Whats the Research Say?

The American Veterinary Medical Association says that 63% of all American households own at least one pet, the majority of which are cats or dogs. This is very common; a boy and his dog is almost an iconic image standing for youth. At this point in time, people are becoming more aware of health benefits of pets. These benefits are varied and encompass both the mental aspects of well being and the physiological. This article will take a look at some research regarding these benefits.

First and most evident is the lessening of loneliness. In a study conducted by Zasloff and Kidd in 1994 about loneliness and pet ownership among single women, findings showed there was a significantly lower amount of loneliness among single women who were pet owners than those who were not. This shows that animal companionship has beneficial effects and may help alleviate symptoms related to loneliness, like depression. The importance of this lies in areas many don't typically think of. Imagine a young child ripped from the arms of neglectful parents into a foster setting. Maybe making provision to take a beloved pet can alleviate symptoms of the trauma by providing the unconditional love and loyalty a pet can, not to mention something familiar to cling to in a scary, unfamiliar setting. Or an elderly person moving into an assisted living residence; many currently don't allow beloved pets to accompany them. Perhaps the depression prevalent among elderly persons could be comforted by a furry friend.

Another benefit directly related to mental health was support in the 2008 study by Knight and Edwards. They found support for the claims dog ownership increases the physical activity of their owners improving cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular work helps alleviate symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain killer and anti-depressant. They also found that the use of medical services and social services was lessened when a dog was in their home. The result was to encourage dog ownership, especially by the elderly and to ask relevant agencies to acknowledge the importance of these results.

Stress is one of the things that follow you through your day without fail. The bills in the mail, the call from the in-laws, the mid-day traffic; all are small examples of everyday stressors. Sometimes the stressors are more significant, a death in the family or a lost job. Blascovich, et. al. found that there was fewer physiological responses to stressors when a dog was present as opposed to being alone or even in the presence of a friend. This means that the presence of a pet is not only perceived as non-threatening or non-judgmental but also seems to alleviate the physiological symptoms of stress improving physical and mental health. To be honest, a stress filled day just doesn't end for me until my dog is in my lap, licking my face and telling me he's glad I'm around.

The effects of pets on mental well-being are so widely known that therapy dogs are often permanent residents of psychiatric facilities. On a recent visit to Marshall-Pickens Behavioral Health Center in South Carolina, I was surprised to meet the dog in residence. He was pampered and spoiled terribly and it was evident that everyone from the patients to the staff adored him. It was my pleasure to witness the stiff, uncomfortable client waiting in a chair melt into a relaxed puddle on the floor when the dog begged for his attention. The therapist accompanying him said that she feels the therapy dog makes patients feel less oppressed and gives them a feeling of home and friendly surroundings. After all, a dog doesn't stand for hospital, it stands for home.

The physiological aspects have been well documented; lower blood pressure, increased recover speed for hospital patients, increased immune function... the benefits are many. All these physiological benefits have one more effect. Fewer negative health problems equate to less stress and a healthier, happier life. However, the effects on mental well-being have never often been fully discussed in a public forum. It is time the world learn that a dog may not only be best friend, but best therapist as well.

Effect of Petting a Dog on Immune System Function, C.J. Charnetski; S. Riggers; F.X. Brennan - New! on July 31, 2006

In the Company of Wolves: The Physical, Social, and Psychological Benefits of Dog Ownership. Knight, Sarah; Edwards, Victoria. [Journal of Aging and Health, 2008 Jun; 20(4): 437-455. Correspondence to Knight, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, King Henry Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK; sarah.knight@port.ac.uk]

Loneliness and Pet Ownership Among Single Women. R.L. Zasloff and A.H. Kidd

Presence of Human Friends and Pet Dogs as Moderators of Autonomic Responses to Stress in Women. K. Allen, J. Blascovich, J. Tomaka & R. Kelsey. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1991, Vol. 61, No. 4, 582-589.