Pets are good for your health

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Owning a pet improves health and wellbeing, especially for older people.
Psychologist June McNicholas from Dundonnell in Scotland points out that around half of British households own a pet and the majority of owners see the animal as a member of the family. Just as close family ties and social support can improve health so, too, can owning a pet, she says.

Pet ownership has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and lower use of doctor services. But there can be conflict arising between pet ownership and healthcare. Pets sometimes cause allergies but people may not want to give them up, which will perhaps make the allergy worse.

More seriously, perhaps, older people sometimes fear seeking medical advice which might lead to hospitalization or going into sheltered accommodation in case they have to give up a beloved pet. Given the health benefit the companion animal can have, doctors and carers should see what can be done to keep pet and owner together.

Source
British Medical Journal 26th November 2005 Volume 331 pages 1252-1254