Dogs, cats and other pets have a positive impact on health, well-being and happiness on their owners, said a study conducted by research organization IPSOS on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company.

Pets spend their whole lives at their owners’ sides, keeping them active and comforting them in times of illness or loneliness, it added.

Over 90 per cent of dog and cat owners say their pets have a positive effect on their quality of life. More specifically, a strong emotional bond with an animal can help patients cope with, or even overcome, illness. Boehringer Ingelheim therefore intends to better leverage the connection between human and animal health, said the study.

Pets help keep people active

For many people, the start of a new year is the perfect time to make changes for their health, as they resolve to reduce the stress in their lives, exercise more, or dedicate more time to family and friends. Old habits die hard, however, with good intentions soon going out the window. But people who have a dog or other pet at home tend to stick to their resolutions; in the best case scenario, dogs can transform their couch potato owners into endurance athletes.

Animals help recovery

Recent studies also found that the increasingly important role pets play in our society and the emotional ties we have to them appear to have a positive impact on people suffering from such illnesses as depression or cardiovascular disease, especially.

As a leading human and animal health company, and as a partner to patients, veterinarians and health organisations, Boehringer Ingelheim aims to raise awareness of this relationship and encourage doctors to talk with patients about the mutual advantages of such bonds during consultations, the report said.

Diseases and disorders of all kind often go hand-in-hand with loneliness, but four-legged friends can help people feel less alone and improve their lives, just by being there. And the relationships between pets and their owners are as diverse and unique as the people themselves. – TradeArabia News Service