Health benefits of pet ownershipP

Dr. Douglas Street, Contributor

Most of us like pets for ourselves or for our loved ones. We enjoy watching them, playing with them, and taking care of them, and they often make us proud. They are well known to provide excellent companionship and have even saved many lives.

But have we ever considered the positive impact they may have on our health - physically and socially? It may be surprising to learn that persons who own a pet seem to have lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of heart disease.

In fact, pet ownership is likely to improve the life expectancy of persons who have suffered a heart attack and has even lessened hospitals stays. Pet owners also seem to have fewer headaches and less indigestion. It is also said they have less difficulty sleeping and are less likely to be depressed or lonely. Owning a pet seems to improve the owner's sociability.

Children who own pets appear to have better immunity against infections, less likelihood of asthma, and less likelihood of allergies. It is thought that if kids are introduced to pets early, it will actually reduce the chance of allergies and asthma as their immune systems become more tolerant of the things that cause allergies.

Pet ownership seems to improve the self-esteem of children by giving them unconditional love, undivided attention, and teaches them how to empathise. Pets also give parents the opportunity to teach their children about responsibility, and kids who are pet owners, seem to miss school less often.

The sunset years can be a very lonely and vulnerable phase of our lives, and having a pet can be invaluable during this time. Apart from the benefits already mentioned, elderly pet owners seem to require fewer prescription drugs and even fewer doctors visits. They also ease the loss of loved ones, which is a common occurrence in the twilight years.

Then there are those with special needs. Dogs, especially, can help the autistic improve interpersonal connections and assist the blind, deaf and those with limited mobility. Dogs can even be trained to detect when seizures are about to occur in epileptics. This can help them to reduce the likelihood of injuries. They are also very helpful for psychiatric patients, in that their dog can help to keep them calm, lift their spirits, and help them keep in touch with reality.

CAPTION - In this photo taken Monday, May 13, 2013, courthouse dog Kiley stretches
next to Linda Avila (left), a witness in a homicide case, and handler
Michelle Walker, Justice Services manager, in a hallway at the Pierce
County Courthouse in Tacoma, Washington. Tammy and James Hill look on at
right. As canine companions in courthouses, dogs have helped thousands
of victims and witnesses, but some challenges are working their way
through the courts, driven by attorneys who claim the dogs are
distractions or sympathy magnets. So far, all lower courts have upheld
the use of dogs. - AP