Australia loves dogs. We have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with one in two households owning at least one dog.
But are they good for our health?
Mental health is the second most common reason for getting a dog, after companionship. And many of us let our dogs sleep in our bedrooms, saying that having a dog makes us feel healthier.
Here’s what sharing our homes (and doonas) with canine companions means for our physical and mental health.
Are there any physical health benefits to owning a dog?
Owning a dog can reduce your risk of death in the long term. In 2019, a systematic review collected published evidence over 70 years, covering nearly 4 million individual medical cases. They found that people who owned dogs had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause than people who didn’t own a dog.
Owning a dog may lower your blood pressure due to more physical activity. Barnabas Davoti/Pexels
Dog ownership was associated with increased physical activity. This lowered blood pressure and reduced the risk of stroke and heart disease.
According to this review, people who have had a heart-related medical problem in the past (such as a heart attack) are at increased risk of subsequent death if they live with a dog, compared to people with the same medical history but who don’t own a dog. was found to decrease by 35%.
Another recent British study found that adult dog owners were almost four times more likely to meet their daily physical activity goals than non-owners. Children in households with dogs were also more active and engaged in less structured play than children in households without dogs.
Exposure to dirt and microorganisms brought in from the outdoors strengthens the immune system and may also reduce antibiotic use in young children who grow up with dogs.
Children in households with dogs were often more active. Mary Schott/Shutterstock
health risks
However, dogs can also pose a risk to our physical health. One of the most common health problems for pet owners is allergies.
A dog’s saliva, urine, and dander (the skin cells they shed) can cause allergic reactions that can cause a variety of symptoms, from itchy eyes and runny nose to difficulty breathing.
A recent meta-analysis pooled data from approximately 2 million children. Research suggests that early exposure to dogs may increase the risk of developing asthma (but not as much as owning a cat). The age of the child, amount of contact with dogs, and personal risk all play a role.
Slips, trips, and falls are also dangerous. Dogs cause more falls than cats.
Owning a dog can expose you to bites and scratches that can lead to infections, which can pose a risk for people with weakened immune systems. They can also bring zoonotic diseases into your home, such as campylobacter, a disease that causes ringworm and diarrhea.
People who share a bed are at increased risk of contracting allergies and ringworm infections. Dogs move around at night, which can lead to sleep deprivation.
However, some owners report feeling more secure when co-sleeping with their dog, and the psychological benefits outweigh any sleep disturbances or the possibility of waking up with a flea bite. Masu.
Proper veterinary care and hygiene are essential to minimizing these risks.
Many of us not only share our homes with dogs, but also let them sleep in our beds. Claudia Mañas/Unsplash
What about mental health?
Many people know that the benefits of owning a dog are not just physical.
As companions, dogs can provide important emotional support that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Their presence may provide comfort and a sense of purpose to individuals facing mental health issues.
Loneliness is a serious and serious public health problem in Australia.
At the dog park or in your neighborhood, your dog makes it easier to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends. These social interactions can help build a sense of belonging to a community and reduce feelings of social isolation.
For older adults, dog walking can be a valuable solitude intervention that promotes social interaction with neighbors while combating declines in physical activity.
However, if you experience chronic loneliness, it may be difficult to engage with others during walks. An Australian study found that owning a dog can reduce feelings of loneliness. People reported feeling better. This is probably due to the effect of strengthening the bond with your dog.
Walking your dog makes it easier to talk to your neighbors. KPegg/Shutterstock
What are the disadvantages?
Although dogs bring immense joy and many health benefits, they also have drawbacks and challenges. Caring for a dog, especially one with behavioral or health issues, can be a big responsibility and cause financial stress.
Dogs have shorter lifespans than humans, and losing a beloved companion can cause depression or worsen existing mental health conditions.
Lifestyle compatibility and housing conditions also greatly influence whether a dog is suitable for you.
The so-called pet effect suggests that pets, often dogs, improve the physical and mental health of all people in all situations. The reality is even more nuanced. For some people, owning a pet may be more stressful than beneficial.
The important thing is that the animals that share our homes are not just “tools” for human health. It can be a win-win when the welfare and health of both you and your dog are maintained.
