Cuddling Up with a Canine Cures Many Ills

If you are thinking about getting a dog, new research is suggesting there may be many important health benefits. However, you have to weigh the costs of caring for a furry friend in a time when veterinary costs can be exceedingly high. Despite the costs, a poll of 2,000 dog owners revealed that 39% of Americans reported their emotional health is most improved by their dog, and mental health (27%) and physical health (25%) didn’t fall far behind.

The survey showed that canine counterparts help improve mental and emotional well-being by comforting their owners when they are sad (69%) and helping them through stressful times (60%). Others reported improvements because their dog listens to them when they need to vent (45%) and inspires them to take better care of themselves (35%).

“A dog is another heartbeat in the house, a real presence,” said 69-year-old Ceci Powell, who got her first dog in 2010 after buying her home in Santa Cruz, California. Her dog’s name was Querida Corazon, which means Dear Heart in Spanish. She was an older dog and Powell rescued her. “So, I didn’t change her name. She was a mix of German Shepherd and Aussie cattle dog and age 11,” said Powell.

Querida with her Doggles (she had to wear them on walks due to Pannus) 

This latest survey suggests that dogs boost their owners’ mood an average of nine times every single day by making their owners laugh (73%), by playing (68%) or snuggling with each other (67%). Simply being with one another on the couch was able to boost mental health (64%), according to the survey.

The human-dog bond goes both ways as 61% of dog owners admit that spending time with their dog is the single best part of their day. The survey, which was conducted by Talker Research, also explored how dogs can improve physical health and it found that 81% are more active because of their dog and another 49% admit their canine is frequently the sole reason they get up and move.

The survey showed that adults are going for regular walks (86%) and are playing games (71%) with their dog, as well as running (29%) and hiking (25%) together. Beyond that, having a dog ensures that they wake up at a reasonable time (40%) and has made them more aware of their physical capabilities (39%). Interestingly, 71% believe that their dog is a better athlete than they are.

Powell got her next dog from a different senior rescue shelter. His name was Max and he was a German Shepherd and Malamute mix. “He was 9 years old. He had lots of medical issues due to arthritis but was just a wonderful dog with my cats and all the neighbors’ small dogs, which were all under 25 pounds. Max was almost 100 pounds. He was with me for four years,” said Powell.

Max cuddling with one of the cats 

 

More than mental and emotional support systems, 66% of the surveyed adults said dogs assume many roles in their lives. A little more than one-third (36%) said that their dog acts as a psychologist, supporting their mental health and boosting their mood. Others see their dog as a teammate (27%) or their biggest cheerleader (22%), encouraging them to do their best. 

Seven in 10 respondents said that owning a dog has taught them patience, along with empathy (41%), stamina (36%) and resilience (26%). Through training their dog, 85% of dog owners said that their bond was only strengthened, despite distractions (32%) and working through unlearning bad habits (29%). Talker Research surveyed 2,000 dog owners online between July 4 and July 8, 2024. (It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.)

In a study of nearly 8,000 older adults, researchers found that among those living alone, having a pet was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline (specifically composite verbal cognition, verbal memory and verbal fluency). The study covered an 8 year period and it was published in JAMA Network. It used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, an ongoing study.

What Are the Best Dog Breeds for Seniors?

Certain dog breeds are ideal for seniors due to their potential for pet adoption, promoting a strong human-pet bond, enabling animal-assisted therapy, and providing companionship that enhances senior care benefits, according to researchers. Older pets are often more settled and may require less training and exercise than young animals. A pet with a calm temperament can be a better fit for a senior. “Senior dogs are usually housebroken, know some commands, and are not as active as puppies,” said Powell.

Dogs not only offer companionship, but also serve as loyal and loving companions, offering much-needed emotional support for older adults living alone. The human-pet bond that forms can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being. Certain breeds are well-suited for animal-assisted therapy, bringing joy and comfort to older adults in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The unconditional love seniors receive from their furry friends can greatly enhance their quality of life and overall happiness. 

Many animal rescue groups around the country have “Seniors for Seniors” programs, which enables an older adult to adopt a senior dog or cat at a reduced rate. 

Even with a reduced adoption cost, other costs must be weighed before adopting a furry friend. “One caution about senior dogs, just like people, as they age, they have medical issues that can be expensive and require time at the vet’s, hospital, or home care. As wonderful as the Seniors for Seniors programs are, senior people need to be aware of the potential costs associated with adopting a senior dog. 

"Personally, I think it’s so worth it,” said Powell.  

John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com