Research, published today by the British Psychological Society, has shown that owning a dog is great for your mental and physical health.
In a strange way, the research has led to a kind of league table of pets, with dogs finishing top of the pile - above the main contender - cats. While most people just have a general preference and are either a cat person or a dog person, for those who might be more methodical about their pet purchasing decision this could be a big factor!
Dr Deborah Wells, a senior lecturer at the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University led the research which has shown that that dog owners have lower cholesterol, blood pressure, fewer minor ailments, and are not as likely to develop more serious problems.
Now, this would appear to be due to two primary reasons. 1) whether the pet actually changes your lifestyle and 2) whether there are psychological differences in your life upon ownership of the pet.
From this it is easy to see how doggies scored well. Not only do they insist on making you go for exceptionally long walks sometimes two to three times per day, but they also offer unconditional love 24/7. Cats on the other hand do not increase the owner’s physical activity and they sometimes like you. With cats, the amount of love you get back is entirely random, depending on the cat itself - whereas with dogs it is always there.
So what about fish? Hmmm, I think they score a 0/10 on both counts.
The added bonus with dogs - which is where the more interesting research should follow - is that they are starting to prove the ability of dogs to detect serious illnesses such as cancer and epilepsy. Now that would be a bigger influencer for a lot of people though I’m sure.
Personally, I say that the best thing in the world (relatively) is having both cats AND dogs. But that’s just me 
P.S. by the way - if you are looking to get a pet, please visit the shelters first, they really do an amazing job and the pets that we have always got from shelters are just fantastic
Note: This blog is only my opinion. It is not medical advice or diagnosis. Only opinions based upon our own personal experiences or information detailed in medical/academic journals or other publications is cited. WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE or prescribe any treatments. Please consult with a medical professional before making any diet or nutrition changes. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds right to me!
If i’m ever feeling stressed or sad, my dog Monty always lifts my spirits. Just looking at his ears makes me smile. And even a quick 5 minute walk round the park immediately gives me a boost, to have him trotting proudly beside me! Plus having a dog makes it ok to say ‘good morning’ to perfect strangers.
I can wholeheartedly agree that Monty is good for my health. Good to know there’s some research to back it up!
kathryn
http://www.homereporter.co.uk/Montgomery_Burns.html
Posting on a very nice and interesting topic!! Dogs are really the best friends of human. I can understand as I’ve a pair of Labrador dog. The most interesting thing is when I express my happiness with excitement they started jumping and running all around my house. At the same time when I feel sad and depressed they just sit silently very near to me and peculiarly don’t irritate me to serve their food!! Sometimes It’s very hard to believe.
I have both a cat and a dog. They go along fine. In fact, they are best friends. The first time i brought my cat home, i was afraid that they won’t get along. But as they grew up, they started playing. I guess I am both a cat and dog person.
Oh Ross how I agree and love this post!!!!!!!!! I’ve had so many animals as part of my family since I was a child that our home was more like a zoo than a home! LOLOLOL Right now our son “Cat” is a human who is wearing a cat suit.
I think that if more human beings had cats and/or dogs as part of their families, they would be healthier people both in mind and in body and this would lead to their paying it forward to others in their lives. Take care and enjoy your weekend.
Hey Holly! Long time no comment/email etc!
How’s everything going? I’ve been a bit slack lately with keeping up with everyone in the big ol blogosphere so I hope you’re still doing well!
I agree with what you’re saying - we always had loads of cats n dogs and they definitely lead to a healthier body and mind for me (walking the dog/annoying the cat etc!)
Have an awesome weekend and Ill see you over on your blog soon!
Ross