The Writing Bit

Within my final project presentation, I intend to document what the benefits (proven or anecdotal) of owning a dog actually are.  For this I have been looking at articles published online.
The ones that are talked about most frequently include;

1) Lowered blood pressure

2) Lower cholesterol

3) Reduction in stress

4)Help with depression

5) Reduced allergies and asthma

Further research uncovers studies that have found that children who families own pets have better attendance at school. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/3731058.stm), and that pets help people in coming to terms with bereavement. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3702923.stm)

Researchers in Japan have found that pet owners who are bonded with their dog experience a spike in oxytocin (a neurotransmitter that helps us deal with stress), just by making eye contact with them. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/21/health-benefits-dogs_n_1421573.html)

Dogs also help with social interactions, as dog walking can be a very social pastime as people, who would otherwise be strangers, stop to chat to dog walkers.

The researchers are not not certain why owning a dog provides these benefits, and suggest it may have something to do with the walking involved in owning a dog.  Walking certainly can help with weight management and  general mobility, and my personal opinion is that it also can be helpful in the prevention of Seasonal Affective Disorder, due to exposure to light when walking.

In addition to the benefits I have listed above, there are also medical assistance dogs, who are trained to detect changes in blood sugar in diabetics, to alert epileptic patients to an impending seizure, and even to detect cancer.      http://medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk
This is something I may investigate further for my final project next year.


Whilst speaking to the people who have taken part in my project, I have been asking them for their view on how owning a dog benefits them.  The responses I have received have included;

"When no-one else is home, he's good company, and makes me feel more secure" (Katie, 15)

and

"He can tell when I'm feeling really down..."  (A manic depression sufferer)