Pets & Stress: The Link

In over 4,500 adults, from 40-64 years of age, pet owners and non-pet owners were found to have similar levels of systolic blood pressure. But pet owners had higher diastolic blood pressure, higher body mass index, were more likely to smoke, and were less active. (As cited in Clinical Pearls Online.)

On the other hand… Research from the University of California has shown that a companion animal or pet can help a person better cope with stressful life events, prevent loneliness, decrease depression, improve activities of daily living and increase social interactions. Pets in nursing homes have been associated with decreased psychotropic medication usage and a greater than 50 percent reduction in healthcare costs.

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