Are there any health benefits of having a pet dog? Mental health is the second most common reason cited for getting a dog after companionship. And many of us say that having a dog makes us ‘feel healthier’ – and let them sleep in our bedroom. Read this also Your pet won’t save your mental health: Shocking new research shows why
What sharing our homes with our canine companions means for our physical and mental health.
Lower risk of dying, lower risk of stroke
Did you know, owning a dog reduces the risk of death in the long term? In 2019, a systematic review pooled published evidence over 70 years, covering nearly four million individual medical cases. It found that people who owned a dog had a 24 percent lower risk of dying from any cause than people who did not own a dog.
Dog ownership was associated with increased physical activity. This lowers blood pressure and helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. The review found that for people who already had cardiovascular medical problems (such as a heart attack), living with a dog reduced their risk of dying by 35 percent, compared with people who had the same history but did not have a dog. Wasn’t.
Another recent study from the UK found that adult dog owners were almost four times as likely to meet daily physical activity goals as non-owners. Children from homes that did not have a dog were more active and engaged in more unstructured play than children from homes that did not have a dog.
Exposure to outside dirt and germs can also strengthen the immune system and reduce the use of antibiotics in young children growing up with dogs.
health risk
However, dogs can also pose risks to our physical health. One of the most common health problems for pet owners is allergies. Dogs’ saliva, urine and dander (skin cells released by them) can trigger allergic reactions resulting in a range of symptoms from itchy eyes and runny nose to difficulty breathing.
A recent meta-analysis pooled data from nearly two million children. The findings suggest that early exposure to dogs may increase the risk of developing asthma (although not as much as owning a cat). The age of the child, how much contact they have with the dog, and their individual risk all play a role.
Slips, trips and falls are another risk – more people fall due to dogs than cats. Having a dog can also put you at risk for bites and scratches, which can become infected and pose a danger to people with weakened immune systems. And they can bring zoonotic diseases into your home, including ringworm and Campylobacter, a disease that causes diarrhea.
The risk of allergies and ringworm increases among those who share beds. This can result in decreased sleep, as dogs move around at night. On the other hand, some owners feel safer when sleeping with their dogs, the emotional benefits far outweighing the possibility of disrupted sleep or waking up with flea bites. Proper veterinary care and hygiene practices are essential to minimize these risks.
What about mental health?
Many people know that the benefits of owning a dog are not just physical. As companions, dogs can provide important emotional support in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Their presence can provide a sense of comfort and purpose to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Loneliness is a significant and growing public health issue in Australia. At dog parks and in your neighborhood, dogs can make it easier to interact with strangers and make new friends. These social interactions can help create a sense of community connectedness and reduce feelings of social isolation.
For older adults, dog walking may be a valuable loneliness intervention that encourages social interaction with neighbors, as well as countering declining physical activity.
However, if you have been experiencing loneliness for a long time, it may be difficult to connect with other people during walks. An Australian study found that owning a dog reduces loneliness. People reported improved mood – possibly due to the benefits of strengthening the relationship with their dog.
What are the drawbacks?
While dogs can bring immense happiness and many health benefits, it also has its downsides and challenges. The responsibility of caring for a dog, especially a dog with behavioral issues or health problems, can be overwhelming and cause financial strain.
Dogs have a shorter lifespan than humans, and the loss of a beloved companion can lead to depression or worsen existing mental health conditions. Lifestyle compatibility and housing conditions also play an important role in whether owning a dog is suitable.
The so-called pet effect suggests that pets, often dogs, improve human physical and mental health in all situations and for all people. The reality is more subtle. For some people, owning a pet can be more stressful than beneficial.
The important thing is that the animals that live in our homes are not just “tools” for human health. Owner and dog can mutually benefit when the well-being and welfare of both is maintained.
