Adam Cohen and Dr. Jenny Kriley
adam's diary
This week, Dr. Jenny Kriley, attending veterinarian at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, answers reader questions.
As our wonderful dogs are getting older, we decided to get a new puppy. He's driving us crazy and we're wondering what he was thinking. It also made us question whether pets help us live longer or better.
It's clear that pets bring us joy, but is there any research linking them to measurable health benefits like lower blood pressure and improved memory?
Dr. Clyley prescribes
People who live with animals know the happiness and quality of life that pets can bring. Fortunately, a number of recent studies have also shown evidence that having non-human family members has health benefits.
Research shows that petting a dog reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It is also known to have the effect of lowering blood pressure.
Pets also increase our physical activity levels, lift our mood, and reduce social isolation, all of which benefit our health and longevity. In this context, several studies have found that animal ownership is associated with reduced all-cause mortality.
Pets can have the most severe effects on children and the elderly. Research has shown that owning a pet has a variety of benefits for children's development. Additionally, older adults, who are more prone to heart disease, feelings of isolation, and depression, can derive cardiovascular and social benefits from interacting with animals.
On a personal level, I see the positive effects that taking my two Papillons to visit my father in a memory care facility can have on older adults. Very popular with residents, it has a calming and uplifting effect. Residents who don't usually speak much talk to the dogs and interact with them.
Reading the scientific literature, we know that looking into a dog's eyes triggers the release of oxytocin in both humans and animals, setting up each creature's brain pathways for stronger bonds. As someone who watches the process unfold alongside my father and his fellow residents, the impact is dramatic.
In addition to humans, other dogs in the family can also benefit from the new addition. Puppies tend to keep older dogs more active and engaged, which can extend their health and longevity. (Just be careful to give older dogs quiet time away from newcomers to recover!)
Yes, we will always wonder, “What have I done?” Just after a new energetic pet arrives. However, your household will soon settle into a new normal, adding happiness and health to the whole family.
Dr. Jenny Kriley is the attending veterinarian at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Cohen is OMRF's senior vice president and general counsel. Send your health questions to contact@omrf.org.
