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What are the Health Benefits of Having a Dog?
Dogs, often referred to as “man’s best friend,” share not only our companionship but also some of our health concerns. These loyal animals can suffer from a range of common disorders, mirroring conditions seen in humans, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and neurologic disorders. The intriguing aspect of this parallel is that the pathology of these conditions in dogs closely resembles that in humans. Researchers have been diligently working to identify the genes associated with dog diseases that are analogous to human disorders. This endeavor aims to uncover valuable insights that could lead to the development of treatments and cures for both our canine companions and ourselves.
However, when it comes to the actual impact of owning a dog on human physical health and psychological well-being, scientific evidence has yielded mixed results. While some studies have suggested a myriad of benefits, such as improved physical health and psychological well-being, others have been criticized for their lack of proper control measures. Some researchers argue that the health of individuals, particularly the elderly, is more closely tied to their health habits and social support networks rather than their ownership of, or attachment to, a companion animal.
That being said, numerous studies have pointed to positive outcomes associated with pet ownership. Individuals who keep dogs or cats tend to exhibit better overall mental and physical health compared to those who do not have pets. They make fewer visits to the doctor, are less likely to be on medication, and even experience reduced absenteeism from school, especially among children living with pets.
Interestingly, dog owners seem to reap specific benefits. They tend to engage in considerably more physical exercise than those with cats or no pets at all, potentially owing to the regular walks and playtime associated with canine companionship. Furthermore, owning a dog has been linked to increased survival rates in cases of coronary artery disease, with dog guardians being significantly less likely to die within one year of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) compared to non-dog owners.
It’s worth noting that the health benefits attributed to dogs may extend beyond ownership. Simply being in the presence of dogs can lead to reductions in cardiovascular, behavioral, and psychological indicators of anxiety. Additionally, contact with dogs introduces individuals to immune-stimulating microorganisms, potentially offering protection against allergies and autoimmune diseases in accordance with the hygiene hypothesis.
The advantages of interacting with dogs also extend to social support. Dogs not only provide companionship themselves but also serve as facilitators of social interactions between humans. For example, studies have shown that wheelchair users experience more positive social interactions with strangers when accompanied by a dog. Furthermore, pet owners tend to be more socially engaged with people in their neighborhoods compared to non-pet owners.
Beyond companionship, dogs have been integrated into therapy programs for centuries, dating back to the late 18th century when they were introduced into mental institutions to help socialize patients with mental disorders. Modern research into animal-assisted interventions has demonstrated that therapy dogs can enhance social behaviors, such as smiling and laughing, among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, programs involving dogs and other animals have shown promising results in improving attendance, knowledge, and behavior in children with ADHD and conduct disorders.
