Dogs help humans reduce stress
Studies show that interactions with therapy animals can
decrease stress in humans.
Playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the
stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone
cortisol. These hormonal changes can help a nervous child feel more relaxed
about reading aloud. Reduced stress can also benefit physical health. In a 2001
study, researchers found that pet-owning patients with high blood pressure
could keep their blood pressure lower during times of mental stress than
patients without pets.
Another study shows that pet owners may also have increased
odds of surviving for at least a year after having a heart attack.
“Both pet ownership and social support are significant
predictors of survival, independent of the effects of the other psychosocial
factors and physiologic status,” wrote the heart-disease researchers.
And in 2008, a group of Italian researchers documented the
successful introduction of a shelter dog to Alzheimer’s patients. Patients were
given questionaires, and many responded that animal-assisted activities (the
dog as a therapy animal) was beneficial.
