Pet owners hail positive health findings

Dubai: Dog and cat owners in the UAE have hailed research that shows that having a four-legged friend is good for your health.

Researchers in Northern Ireland have found that people who own dogs on average have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cat owners too are healthier than those without pets, the study from Queen's University, Belfast, found, although the effect is not as strong as with dogs.

Dr Martin Wyness, who runs the British Veterinary Centre in Abu Dhabi, said there were many health benefits linked to pet ownership, among them lower levels of gastrointestinal disease and various allergies.

In addition, he said children brought up with pets could be less likely to suffer from asthma and hay fever.

"If children are exposed to animals or outside dirt, the immune system develops more normally and is stronger. It doesn't respond inappropriately," he said.

As the authors of the research have suggested, Wyness said it was likely that having a dog was particularly beneficial for health because of the need to take the animal for a walk.

He added: "Cat owners have benefits too. Having a cat or dog can have a very real effect on blood pressure."

Jackie Ratcliffe, chairwoman of Dubai-based dog rescue organisation K9 Friends, said she was not surprised to hear of the findings, which were published in the British Journal of Health Psychology.

"This is why you have 'pat dogs' in hospitals and old people's homes -stroking a dog relaxes you," said Ratcliffe, who has five pet dogs of her own.

"People can stress you out because of their backstabbing and complaining, but with a dog you don't have that. They love you whatever the situation."

Cat owner Cristina Dockx, who helps to run Muezza's Feline Friends, a Sharjah-based cat welfare group, said she too had no doubts about the benefits of pet ownership.

"People who care for dogs and cats have a tendency to relax more, forget about their worries and focus on something else.

"The good thing is that there is serious research done on this - it is not just someone sitting on their sofa observing their friends," she said.

She said pet owners 'create a bond' with their animals and that the animals in turn are good at reading the mood of their owners.

"My cat, when I am stressed or when I cry, will come and lick the tears from my eyes," she said.

I really fail to understand why people like Mr. Mathew have a negative attitude even when it comes to the issue of animals. Pets really bestow love and are a positive influence for everone.
S. Sultan
Dubai,UAE

Pets, especially dogs are the best friends a human being can have. They not only understand our moods and concerns but also can sense it when we need their comforting company more.
Major Mathews
Dubai,UAE

Whose business? Those are academic researchers who made those findings.
Hazem
Dubai,UAE

It is true that animals can relieve your stress. If you love your pets as part of your family, it can take away all your troubles.
Mark
Dubai,UAE

Having a pet is really fun. a After coming from tiring day at work, as soon as I open my door, you will see a very happy dog, trying to stand up, wagging its tail and happy to see me. It really eases all your worries and tiredness.
C. D. Castro
Manila,Philippines

At times the positive effects are psychological but generally your lifestyle and mood do change when you have dogs or cats at home...seeing them jumping, licking you and their wiggling tail the moment you enter the door of your house.I love my dogs and I swear they make me happy!
Frances
Dubai,UAE

I have three pets, and being in Dubai makes me really miss them. It was really relaxing to have them around you. Being relaxed alone can help lower not only your blood pressure but also ease many other problems. They also know when to give you special attention. I've particularly noticed that when you're upset they make sure that they are next to you paying attention.
P.R.
Dubai,UAE

Our pets are our best companions. They will be with us even during our bad times. Mingling with our pets , gives relief to our mind during this very competitive times.
Bipin
Dubai,UAE

Thee above finding is absolutely wrong. the main motive of this is that they want to increase their business.
M.C. Mathew
Kerala,India