For the love of dogs - 50Plus.com

For the love of dogs - 50Plus.com: "For the love of dogs


Article By: Cynthia Ross Cravit

A new UK study shows what many dog lovers already know: owning a dog is good for you.
The joy of companionship is only one benefit of dog ownership.
Yet another study has shown that dog owners are generally healthier than non-pet owners. Having a dog in the family can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also prevent you from becoming ill and help you recover more quickly when you do.
And dogs can even warn of cancer, heart attack, epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia, says Dr. Deborah Wells a senior lecturer from the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University in Northern Ireland.
Dr. Wells, whose study was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, reviewed research papers that explore the link between dog ownership and human well-being. She also reviewed research on a dog's effect on a person's psychological health, including the therapeutic role of dogs in helping the disabled and people in hospitals, prisons and residential homes.
An Israeli study reported it was likely that animal companions helped people with schizophrenia feel motivated and calmer. And another UK study suggested that canine companionship aided children with chronic illnesses endure painful treatments.
A study conducted back in 1985 found that dog owners had a higher one year survival rate after a heart attack compared to people who did not have a dog.
A buffer for stress
What is it about dog ownership that makes us healthier? Dr. Wells says it's because the human-dog bond helps to reduce stress – a well-known cause of illness – and promotes general well-being. Owning a dog leads to increased physical activity and can facilitate increased social contact, both of which"