A cold, moist nose is the new vital sign

Recent reporting on the growing body of research around pets and health points to something many pet owners already suspect: the human–animal bond can have measurable benefits for well-being. Photo: Paul Weiss.

Studies increasingly link pet ownership, particularly dogs, to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and greater physical activity. Some research has even found that dog owners experience lower rates of cardiovascular disease and a reduced risk of early death compared with people who don’t own pets.

Part of this is easily observed. Dogs get us moving. Walking, playing, and simply caring for a pet add routine physical activity to daily life.

Still, we think (and research bears it out) the benefits appear to go beyond exercise. We see it here at Cedar Hill when patients interact with our therapy dog, Beanie.

A recent patient said, “Seeing Beanie is the highlight of my visit.”

Surveys of older adults show that pets provide companionship, reduce stress, and give many owners a stronger sense of purpose and connection.

If you spend a few minutes with Beanie, waiting to see me, you can expect tiny dose of canine affection vibe. That’s not a scientific term, by the way. But it does describe the reaction most people demonstrate.

By the way, studies give props to cats, for their positive feline vibes! It’s just a little harder to walk a kitty.