An interesting review of studies in the British Medical Journal may shed some light on why pet ownership is beneficial to human health.
Decades of Research
Many years of research has shown that pet ownership can result in benefits such as:
- Higher survival rates after heart attacks
- Reduced risk of asthma in children exposed to pet allergens during the first year of life
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- Better physical and psychological wellcbeing in community-dwelling older people
An Emotional Bond
The reasons are apparently not as simple as to whether a pet has a measurably beneficial effect on the owner‘s physical health; the emotional bond between owner and pet may confer psychological benefits similar to human relationships.
Stress Reduction
Pet ownership may exert a direct effect on human health and well-being through the nature of the relationship; it may reduce perceptions of stressful events, and therefore protect against anxiety-related illness. This can also aid in recovery from serious illness such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and cancer.
A Broader Definition of Health
The review concludes by noting that a broader definition of health may be needed to truly allow for understanding of the effect of pets. People do not own pets specifically to enhance their health; instead, they value the relationship and the contribution their pet makes to their quality of life.
