Get Healthy, Get a Dog

The Harvard Medical School has published a special health report entitled Get Healthy, Get a Dog:  The health benefits of canine companionship. 

The report details the many ways that dogs can improve the lives of humans.

In promoting the report, the School says:

There are many reason why dogs are called humans’ best friends: not only do they offer unparalleled companionship, but a growing body of research shows they also boost human health. Owning a dog can prompt you to be more physically active — have leash, will walk. It can also:

• help you be calmer, more mindful, and more present in your life
• make kids more active, secure, and responsible
• improve the lives of older individuals
• make you more social and less isolated

Just petting a dog can reduce the petter’s blood pressure and heart rate (while having a positive effect on the dog as well).

The report can be purchased in print (US$20), in .pdf electronic version (US$18) or both (US$29) from this webpage.

I’m pleased to see this type of publication coming from such a reputable institution.  Dogs and humans both benefit when  humans take responsibility for a committed and healthy relationship.  I particularly like that the report also covers grief, since we all will face grieving the loss of beloved pet (given the odds – since we live a lot longer than our dogs do).

The chapters in the report include:

• Our dogs, ourselves
  • Benefits of dog ownership
  • Service dogs
• How dogs make us healthier
  • Physical activity
  • Cardiovascular benefits
  • Reduced asthma and allergies in kids
  • Psychological benefits
  • How human contact benefits dogs
• SPECIAL SECTION
  • Nutrition guidelines for dogs
• Exercise for you and your dog
  • Exercise whys and wherefores
  • The exercise prescription for people
  • Exercise guidelines for dogs
  • Help your dog avoid injuries
  • Walking with your dog
  • Hiking
  • Running
  • Biking
  • Swimming
  • Playing fetch, Frisbee, or flying disc
  • Agility training
  • Skijoring
  • Playing inside the house
• Adopting a dog
  • Deciding on the qualities you want
  • Breed considerations
  • Finding your dog
• How to be a responsible dog owner
  • Basic equipment
  • Veterinary care
  • Dogs in cars
  • Providing for your dog while you’re at work
• Raising a well-behaved dog
  • Obedience training
  • Housetraining
  • Keeping dogs off furniture … or not
  • Soothing the anxious hound
• Grieving a loss
• Resources
• Glossary

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand