Pet Ownership lowers the life expectancy?

Question

My grandmother told me today that she saw that pet owners die early... I have only read the opposite and that they actually raise life expectancy... if this is true I will just die early because as long as i am able i will own a dog.

Answer 1

Pet ownership prolongs life, ALL studies show that. consider this excellent article:


Having a Pet
According to numerous studies dating back more than a century, interaction with animals has a beneficial effect on human health. The Centers for Disease Control reports that pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels, as well as alleviating feelings of loneliness and the depression that can result.

"Our animal companions serve as a link to Nature and through Nature our spirits are elevated. Yet, sadly many of us have lost awareness of this relationship - this connectedness," says noted pet expert Dr. Diane Pomerance in her book Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion, which is the fifth book in her Animal Companion Series consisting of books and CDs (Polaire Publications,). "Pets can provide us with so many gifts. They can increase the longevity and improve the quality of life physiologically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually."

Not only does interaction with pets decrease stress and related cardiovascular illnesses, but caring for a pet has practical everyday benefits. Having a dog, for example, increases the likelihood of regular outdoor exercise. Daily walking is a known benefit for cardiovascular fitness, and having a dog to walk increases opportunity not only for exercise but for socialization. Indoor pets also provide substantial benefits. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation, and are more active than those who do not own pets, regardless of the kind of pet owned.

Pets, by promoting playfulness, laughter and affection, have a soothing and therapeutic effect on their owners. "Their presence and very essence reveal the life force, creative force, the energy and vitality that exist in all of us," writes Dr. Pomerance. "Even if we don't find inspiring relationships among other people, we find real love, affection, friendship, companionship, camaraderie, and loyalty through the animal companions we adopt."

While baby boomers can improve their own health prospects by adopting a pet, older Americans can also tap into their wisdom and maturity by adopting older pets. "Older animals - far too often discarded or disposed of simply because of their age - offer priceless gifts and lessons to those who adopt them," says Dr. Pomerance. "Their gratitude for living in a home where they are loved, valued, appreciated and respected is limitless." Many shelters will discount or waive fees for those adopting older animals, with the added advantage of gaining a pet that is likely to be calmer, already housebroken, and beyond the teething and hyperactive stage.

The Author

Dr. Pomerance created, established, and serves as director of the Pet Grief Counseling Program for the SPCA of Texas. In addition to serving as an active volunteer for the SPCA of Texas, she is also an active member of K9 Friends Visiting Therapy Dogs, and the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League.

Animal Companion Series (2006) - Consisting of the following in softcover book and CD:

Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion (2006)

Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions (2005)

Animal Companions in Our Hearts, Our Lives, and Our World (2004)

Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers, & Guides (2003)

When Your Pet Dies (2001)




By: Dr. Pomerance on Oct 12 2006 07:08:24

Answer 2

With no offense, your granny may be misinformed.

Certainly the links between life extension and pet ownership are abstract, but consider that they give us some other living thing to be responsible for, care about emotionally, enjoy their antics, add variety to what may be a tedious grocery shopping list, etc., hence lessening possible depression, loneliness, and add to a general purpose for living, beyond things like faith, human friends, activities one might engage in.

They are also a responsibility to the extreme at times, and as humans do, our pets can become ill, sometimes seriously; costing us money we might not spend otherwise. If/when such a thing happens the caring pet owner sometimes may sacrifice their own wants for the needs of their "charge", thereby adding more purpose.

They have feelings, experience pain, I believe levels of joy as well, and though nearly totally dependent on humans, they give as much as they get.

Certainly there are instances where animals have injured or even killed humans, and some are reported as having been pets. I wanna suspect that's about as rare as getting hit by a low flying meteor.

I've owned and kept animals all my life, growing up on a farm, and don't strictly have a preference for "domesticated" animals. Currently I keep 4 "natural enemies" and they cohabitate because they must. I have a Wolf/Chow, a Siamese Cat, a Lory, and an Albino Corn snake. All are female. If I have any preference it's that I relate better to females, even enjoying the Human variety, smiles.

Again, with no offense to Gramma, if/when she reports things like this, just smile, nod your head, perhaps even say "Mmhmm" and allow her to have her opinion.

You don't state your grams age, and I wonder if she might not yet be very old?

Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)

Answer 3

ur grandmother is wrong.in study after study,it has been shown that pet owners live longer.the most famous test had pet owners who had a heart attack and non-pet owners who had a heart attack.several years later,most of the pet owners were still alive,more people in the non-owner category were dead than alive.petting an animal lowers the blood pressure of both the person and the animal!older people that are widowed and alone,live longer and report gr8er happiness than those who live alone without even a pet.my grandparents and gr8grandparents had a good many pets of various kinds,and they all died from their mid 80's to 90's,my oldest deceased relative died at 99.not too bad!!!! the newest studies indicate that dog owners who walk their dogs every day,tend to be slimmer/healthier on average,than others their same age,bcause the dogs needs force the people to excercise!

Answer 4

I think having a pet/dog is healthier because they might make you more immune to germs by exposing you to them so your body can build up a resistance (besides the companionship value of course). The only reason I could think up where a life could be shortened is if the person's pet died, and that depressed the person so much they died too. But many get a another pet and do fine.

Answer 5

Your grandmother is wrong. Pet ownership is shown to increase life expectancy and overall health. Enjoy your pets because they keep you going!

Answer 6

I would say the opposite is true. The example of owning a dog and walking it every day can only bring positive health benefits for you. The companionship of pets and older people is great to relieve loneliness.

Answer 7

The studies have shown that pet owners live longer.

They have a reason to live!

That counts for a lot of will power over illness etc.

Answer 8

Ask Grandma if she isn't confused. Pets contribute to lowering stress levels and the anxiety in our lives.

Answer 9

no just the opposite. it raises life expectancy, it lowers heart rate and releases stress.

Answer 10

Your g-ma must have misunderstood something. Pet owners do live a longer life. http://www.my-dog.info/getting-a-dog/pet_owners_live_long.asp