An analysis last year of nearly 4 million people in the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom found dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduction in dying from any cause. If the person had already suffered a heart attack or stroke, having a dog was even more beneficial; they were 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. ( Owning a dog tied to lowering your risk of dying early by 24%, says science | CNN). These are only a couple of the findings through research on the benefits of owning a dog specifically. Research is swiftly increasing to explore this subject with promising results.
Random, controlled studies are difficult to complete in this research as there are many other variables involved but some results stood out and are getting lots of attention. The cardiovascular benefit is believed to be directly related to the continual activity owning a dog brings. Daily walks and a solid routine help both the dog be happy and a senior stay active. Even seniors with some levels of dementia can function more effectively when they have a routine that doesn’t change. We all know dogs love routines and without a clock will remind you it’s time to go out or time to eat! The benefits found were highest for dog owners who lived alone. Heart attack survivors living alone with a dog had a 33% lower risk of death and stroke survivors had a 27% lower risk of death.
Anyone who owns a dog understands that they provide the ultimate unconditional love. No matter what, they are happy to see you come home every day greeting you with love and affection. Unlike some of the physical benefits found by researchers the improvement in mental health for dog owners is more difficult to quantify. Studies have shown repeatedly that good mood increases, and bad mood decreases around our pets. Researchers have seen very promising reductions in anxiety when a therapy dog spends time with a child and their parents before cancer treatments.
It is difficult to clarify whether the mental health benefits are coming from the dogs, or it takes a good match with owner and pet to achieve those benefits. Researchers do know that owning a dog can give a lonely senior companionship and purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, all of which can decrease depression symptoms. If some of the other responsibilities are too much for a senior there are people and programs to help. Consider taking a dog out for a day from the shelter. They even have a service to come and scoop the waste from the yard! Either way, it is exciting to read that the medical field looks forward to the day the doctor can prescribe a dog instead of a pill!
