Do dogs make humans live longer and happier?

Scientists want to prove that there are psychological, social, and physical benefits in owning a dog.

Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, think that dog owners live longer, are less likely to develop heart disease, beat depression, and improve social contacts (Adelaide Now, August 28, 2015). Associate Professor Manos Stamatakis thinks that dogs can expand human emotional horizons.

Stamatakis wants to conduct three studies. The first study will have participants who adopt a dog from a local dog shelter and test how often they walk the dog, how fast, and whether they sit less if they have a dog. Each participant will wear a state-of-the-art inclinometer to measure distance, speed and the heart rate of the dog walker.

In the second study dog owners will have laboratory-controlled blood tests to see if their levels of oxytocin (a love and bonding hormone) increases when a dog enters the room (the laboratory). Oxytocin is good for health because it activates the parasympathetic nerve and lowers blood pressure.

Another study will test whether dog owners live longer than cat owners, bird owners, and fish or rabbit owners. Part of the research will trial an outreach program for elderly people who have dogs, but can’t look after them due to ill health, in which dog shelter workers from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will visit the elderly person’s home to care for their dog.

Researchers hope that the studies will provide results that show how dog ownership influences human health and how the benefits can be part of a government health care policy.

Currently 39% of Australian households own a dog, but it is estimated that 66% of these owners under-walk their dog. The researchers want to see how they can develop interventions to increase dog walking.

Results of the studies are likely to be available by late 2016.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/health/owning-a-dog-may-help-you-live-longer-happier-study/story-fni0dguy-1227503426955

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