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How Pets Can Help You Live Longer and Healthier

Are you tired of jumping up and down? What about eating those mouth-watering rice cakes? If diet and exercise don't grab you, how about taking Fido for a walk?

Your PET can actually save your life! Researchers have found that simply stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as relax mood (Jenkins, 1986; Lynch, 1977; and Shaheen, 1987). Single people who own pets have a lower rate of depression (Brickel, 1984), particularly those who are elderly and have few social or familial contacts. According to Corson & Corson (1987), "...the dog served as a catalyzing socializing link on the [seniors] ward." Andrysco (1981) found activity involvement increased for seniors living in a retirement-nursing facility who interacted with a dog daily.

Further, all responsible and loving pet owners will tell you how much enjoyment they reap from their pets. Pets listen to problems without talking back, gossiping, or charging a high fee, and dogs are great advocates for walking, biking, hiking, jogging, or just playing tag. According to Onilea Matheson, who owns three cats and a lovebird, "You've had a hard day at work and your pet's there waiting for you and it's nice to have someone there who loves you and everything. They come over to see you [and] you feel good. It's very relaxing, I feel calmed and loved. I relax, I breathe better." Ms. Matheson works in a veterinary clinic and has heard many clients remark that owning a pet fulfills them; they even buy their pets Christmas presents! She described pet owners as more caring, thoughtful, considerate, sensitive, laid-back, agreeable, and relaxed compared to petless people.

Getting a dog is a great way to start an exercise program. Yates (1987) found that physical activity increased with animals present. Dogs should be walked for a minimum of half an hour per day to stay fit and happy and doing so allows the owner the same amount of needed exercise. Those who own larger dogs tend to exercise more and are more physically fit since many people believe that the bigger the dog, the more exercise the dog needs. Many dog owners even jog, bike, hike, and play catch with their beloved loyal friend. Ms. Matheson reports that several dog owners take their "Fidos" for walks, hiking, parks, and flyball. Dogs open the floodgate to a variety of physical activities for owners to engage in.

Social opportunities may arise while out with Fido. Rowell (1990) reported beneficial changes in socialization, communication, and engagement amongst [people] with animals present. Salmon & Salmon (1982) and Thompson, Kennedy & Igou (1983) demonstrated that companion animals fostered healthier and more frequent encounters between [people]. Other scientists have found that animals increase social interactiveness (McArthur, Brunmeier, Bergstrom, & Baun, 1986). There are lots of people to be met and talked to while out and about in the world. Maybe you'll even meet your perfect soul mate while out on a jog!

So, listen to your doctor about eating right and getting some exercise, but don't forget about the benefits of owning a pet. Remember, pet owners tend to live longer healthier sociable lives! You can adopt an animal at either the Calgary Humane Society or Street Cats. So, the next time you may think of abandoning or harming your precious Fido or Fluffy or are currently petless, think again. Your precious powder puff may actually save your life; that is, of course, if you don't choke on the hairballs first.

Learn more about this author, Sherry Obenauer.
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