Physical Benefits

Since the 1970s, studies have shown that the human-animal bond may prevent and alleviate physical and emotional health problems affecting people. The results have been staggering. Take, for example, the affects of the human-animal bond on cardiovascular disease, which is currently the number one cause of death in America. Research shows that:

• Cat owners are more likely to survive a heart attack or stroke
• People with pets live longer after a heart attack
• Animal companionship increases survival among people with severe heart arrhythmias
• Stockbrokers who have pets suffer less hypertension, a major cause of heart disease
• Pet owners have lower blood pressure and reduced triglycerides than non-pet owners

But having a pet is more than just good for the heart. It also improves overall well-being. For instance, kids raised around animals are less likely to develop allergies or asthma as they grow up, and senior citizens with pets make fewer doctor visits. Even something as small as a fish can help: Alzheimer's patients living in special residences ate 21% more and gained much-needed weight once fish tanks were placed in the dining room. And we cannot forget the most basic, and yet often most important, benefits: having a pet encourages many of us to get "out and about" and be active, through playing or going for walks.

Animals may even be able to save our lives — literally — by detecting health problems. Recently, we've heard some amazing stories of dogs that have detected cancer or sensed oncoming seizures. The stories prompted scientific studies, which confirmed these abilities in dogs. It turns out dogs can detect bladder, breast and lung cancer by scent! Research has yet to show us how dogs can predict seizures, but we do know that some dogs have shown an innate ability to sense an oncoming seizure, allowing them to warn their owners and thus prevent a serious fall. Beyond that, we cannot leave out the dogs (and some cats!) who have been trained to press specially-created "911" buttons on the phone, or those who know instinctively to seek out help when their owners are in serious danger – these pets are true lifesavers.