 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
New research confirms that pets make us healthier and happier
Owning a pet contributes positively to people's emotional
and physical well-being according to research released at the eighth
International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions in Prague.
The conference, held annually, draws experts on human-animal interaction
from around the world to discuss and present the latest research about
the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership and animal interaction.
The research presented clearly supported the widely held scientific
opinion that pet owners are far healthy and happier than their non-pet
owning counterparts.
The research in particular showed benefits for the elderly, children
and people at risk of isolation.
Animal Interaction - Benefits to the Elderly
A highlight of the Conference was new research presented by Parminder
Raina of the University of British Columbia, Canada.
The research revealed that pets not only have tangible health benefits
for elderly people, but can also actually help lower medical costs by
shortening recovery times.
Raina found that in an average year elderly pet owners used medical
services 30 times, compared with 37 times for non-pet owners, thereby
creating a significant cost saving on medical services by pet owners.
Further findings revealed that the number of overnight hospital visits
were fewer for pet owners, who spent an average of eight days in hospital
compared to 13 days for non-pet owners.
Importantly, Raina's research supports the findings of a 1995
Australian study by McHarg, Baldock, Headey and Robinson.
The group surveyed 1011 Australians and found that people who owned
either a cat or a dog visited their doctor less frequently, used less
medication and appeared to be in better health than non-pet owners.
Using these findings, researchers from Australia's
Baker Medical Research Institute and Melbourne University's Centre for
Public Policy calculated that the annual national health cost savings
resulting from the benefits pet owners gain could be up to $1.5 billion.
Animal Interaction - Benefits to Children
New research by Dr Mara Baun of the University of Nebraska Medical Centre,
USA was also presented at the Conference. Baun's research confirmed
that pets can reduce distress in children undergoing a medical examination.
The study involved children aged between two and six years visiting
a paediatric clinic and examined the effects of having a therapy dog
present. The findings clearly indicated that the children's level of
distress was lower when the dog was present.
Animal Interaction - Benefits for Social Interaction
Finally, a new study conducted by June McNicholas of the University
of Warwick, UK confirmed what all pet owners know - that their pets
can improve and enhance social interaction.
The study examined people's reactions to individuals dressed in a variety
of different ways and how these reactions differed when they were accompanied
by a dog.
Findings revealed that dogs act as powerful social catalysts. Even if
the dog and handler were less smartly dressed, interaction still occurred
on a greater level than when the handler was alone.
The research shows that dogs not only provide their owners with companionship
but that they can also facilitate their owner's interaction with people.