Pets and human well being

There is a particular old woman who is found on our village common walking her dog whatever the weather. And it is unclear who benefits the most, dog or woman. Both get exercise for sure, but the woman also greets or chats to all passing her way. She even waves at familiar cars. It is as if walking her dog is the ideal way of getting what she most needs: company.

Indeed ‘increasing socialization’ and therefore combatting loneliness is listed by America's National Center for Infectious Diseases as one of the benefits of owning a pet. Other advantages listed are decreasing blood pressure, triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels, and increasing exercise. A few years ago the US Government's National Institute for Health reported that there are more American households with pets than children. Putting aside the issues of health problems in pet owners who practice poor hygiene, scientists are now asking what are the benefits of this strong bond between humans and domesticated animals.