Dogs Are a Man's Best Medicine

[Texasmujer]

Science of Comfort

Companion animals may directly benefit their owner's body chemicals, explains Rebecca Johnson, PhD, associate director for research at the Center of the Study of Animal Wellness and a professor of gerontology nursing at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

In an ongoing study, Dr. Johnson and her colleagues are taking blood samples of participants after they spend 30 minutes with their own dogs, dogs unknown to them and robot dogs. Preliminary results show that the interaction with one's pet raises levels of the body's "good" chemicals such as oxytocin (believed to cause feelings of happiness) and prolactin (associated with feelings of attachment). "We're trying to show scientifically tht there is a biological basis for what we've felt intuitively. People can be healthier by interacting positively and sharing their lives with pets," says Dr.Johnson.

Physicians such as Dr. Creagan are now recomending "pet prescriptions" to some patients who live alone and are in need of companionship. The arrival of these dogs, cats, or other pets contributes to fewer physician visits and the lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol levels in some people. "I'm very hopeful that this is the beginning of something big, a multidisciplinary approach to healing that includes the family pet," says Dr. Creagan. "We need to tap into the healing power of fur, fin, and feathers."