Study raises growl from doting dog owners
By ROBYN BRISTOW - The Press | Monday, 8 January 2007
Pounding the pavement with your pooch may not have the claimed
health benefits, according to a new survey.
A Finnish health survey of 21,101 people found pet owners were more
likely to suffer from illnesses such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, depression, ulcers and kidney disease than people who
did not own pets.
They also smoked more, but drank less, and were fatter, particularly
dog owners, according to research reported in the current issue of
the PLoS ONE journal.
But Canterbury pet owners disagree with the research.
Rangiora resident Christine Small said that since she gathered her
five basenji – African barkless dogs – and two cats around her, her
life had improved. She was fitter, happier and healthier.
"I get out and about a lot more and I have a social life now," said
Small, who attends dog shows up and down the country and joins the
Irish wolfhound and beagle dog clubs on regular jaunts because there
is no club for her dogs' breed.
"I disagree strongly that pet owners are sicker. Owning dogs has
been much better for me. Otherwise I would be sitting around doing
nothing. At least now I get out and do things," she said.
It was an interest she shared with husband Stephen, who, although
not "flash" on dog shows, was happy to join in the walks and help
care for the dogs.
Small said they were also great companions when her husband was on
overnight trips and she felt safe knowing the dogs were asleep on
the bed.
Tanya Hoff also scoffed at the research. She said Roxy, the
Staffordshire-cross she bought for her partner, Mike, was a neat
friend and one that made her get up early every morning and go for a
walk before work, keeping her fit and healthy.
"She makes me go for a walk, otherwise I wouldn't," she said.
The research has left Martin Hewitt, of the New Zealand Kennel Club,
bemused.
He said it contradicted other reports that highlighted the benefits
of owning pets for companionship and well-being.
He said a number of club members took their dogs to Christchurch
rest homes as "dog therapy". It was amazing the reaction they got
from residents, who were stimulated by the dogs' presence.
Hewitt said the Kennel Club's Canine Hero Service Dog of the Year
award went to a dog that helped children with reading difficulties.
The children were prompted to try to read to the dog, helping them
to master reading.
Hewitt said New Zealanders of all ages owned pets, whereas the
Finnish research had shown that pet owners tended to be poorer, less
educated and older than others in the survey.
This could explain why health issues had been pushed to the fore for
the Finnish pet owners, he said.
Source:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3921164a7144.html
