The physiological benefits of owning a pet is well-documented;
many
studies report that pet ownership reduces health problems such
as
cardiovascular diseases (Rowan and Beck, n.d.; Serpell, 1993).
Erika
Friedmann and her colleagues studied the effect of pet ownership
on
patients recovering from hospitalization for myocardial
infarction
(heart attack) or severe angina pectoris (pain caused by
lack of
oxygen to the heart). In one study, 50 out of 53 pet owners
were
alive 1 year after hospitalization compared to only 17 out of
39
persons who did not own pets; this finding was independent of
the
health status of the subjects (Cusack, 1988).
Interestingly,
research has also shown that while talking to pets
lowers blood
pressure, talking to people raises it (Arkow, 1982). Dr.
James
Serpell conducted a 10-month study comparing pet owners and
non-pet
owners:
The pet owners reported a reduction in minor health
problems and
took considerably more physical exercise. In contrast, the
non-pet
owners showed no statistically significant changes in health
or
behaviour, apart from a small increase in recreational walking.
The
results of this study appear to demonstrate beneficial changes
in
health and behaviour in most of the people acquiring pets.
No
explanation for the mechanisms responsible for the observed
changes
in pet owners emerges from these findings. The results of this
study
suggest that pet ownership also has positive health benefits,
and
these deserve further study. (Serpell, 1993)
Rowan and Beck
(n.d.) also support the benefits of pet ownership:
Most of the people noted
that the pets provided them with
companionship and a sense of security
and the opportunity for
fun/play and relaxation. Animals allow people
to experience bonding.
Pets are non-judgmental in their
love...
