December 06, 2005

The Health Benefits of Pets

Pets can have a profound effect on their human companions. As this article explains, pets have been credited with saving lives during emergencies, relieving depression and preventing suicide, reducing stress, and much more.

The pet owning study reviewed research conducted since the 1980s that has helped popularize what BMJ called the "view that pet ownership could have positive benefits on human health." Reputed benefits include higher survival rates from heart attack, lower use of doctors' services, a reduced risk of asthma and allergies in children exposed to pets during the first year of life, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and better physical and psychological well-being in the elderly. (Washington Post)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Depression