Mutt might be best medicine for health and happiness

Is having a pet in your home improving your health? Whether you believe it or not, studies have shown that having a pet in your life can dramatically improve both your physical and mental health.

I read an article in the Listener about how dogs are the best home exercise equipment.

The April 23 article ("Worth the weight") said that a 2005 study showed that the obligation to walk a dog increased not only activity levels but willingness to do even more walking in a group of surveyed people.

"The University of Missouri gave a group of non-exercisers - all either economically disadvantaged or disabled - the task of walking 'loaner' dogs for 10 minutes a day, three times each week. Eventually, the participants walked up to 20 minutes a day, five times each week. Those who followed this programme for 50 weeks lost an average of 6kg, researchers reported last year."

After recently getting a puppy myself, I have noticed a gradual increase in my fitness and physical ability.

I have also noticed that I, too, am more willing to get out and walk my puppy and that I enjoy going out with him.

I also found that even when I was not walking Oscar, but participating in other fitness activities, I wanted to run and I found that my endurance level was higher than before we got Oscar.

Studies have found that having a pet in your home can help your physical health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Studies also show that after being treated for a coronary condition, you are likely to live one year longer with a pet around than without one.

Research has shown that pets can improve your family life and strengthen family relationships.

Not only have studies found that walking or exercising a pet can help your physical health, but just being around a pet can improve your mental health.

A recent study in the United States found that having a pet in your company can combat loneliness and depression.

There are even programmes in the United States that involve take animals to nursing homes to help the health of the elderly. According to a study, nursing home residents reported less loneliness when visited by dogs than when they spent time with other people.

People often report a sense of social support, because you're more likely to attract someone's attention and start a conversation with them when walking your dog than if it was just you walking by yourself.

Other studies show that having a pet can reduce stress, blood pressure, anxiety and can improve your mood, immunity and can provide companionship.

Also, having a pet that behaves well and sparks social interaction makes you want to show it off, which in itself helps your social interaction.

So yes, I believe that having a pet in your home improves your health.

I have also experienced myself the dramatic change in both mental and physical well-being that comes with having a pet around.

Meg Gosnell, Year 10, St Cuthbert's College