Proof Paws-itive

By Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., RN
November 12, 2002

The human-animal bond has been defined as attachment and interdependence between animals and their owners, positively affecting both. However, the bond also can develop when animals are used in therapeutic interventions. Recent research documents what was previously identified only through casual observation; when people (especially older adults) interact with animals, positive outcomes often result. These outcomes are physiological, emotional and spiritual.

Studies have shown that:

• After 15 minutes of humans quietly petting their dog, both the humans and the dogs had increased blood levels of phenylethylamine, "an opiod-like brain chemical," endorphin, "the runner's high" hormone, prolactin, "the bonding" hormone and oxytocin, "the happiness hormone"
• Older pet owners had lower systolic blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels
• Pet ownership blunted blood pressure responses to stress better than ACE inhibitors in aging, hypertensive stockbrokers
• Pets provided unconditional companionship and affection for nursing home residents
• Watching fish swimming in an aquarium during mealtimes helped nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease sit longer and eat more
• Older Hispanic adults described their dogs as their "best friends" and reasons for getting up in the morning, that understood when they were feeling bad and tried to comfort them
• Pet owners had significantly longer one-year survival postdischarge from a CCU despite age and severity of illness
• Dog owners walked longer and had lower triglyceride levels than non-dog owners
• Older adults described their pets as fun, relaxing and dependent, like their "own children"
• Having a pet in the nursing home improved older adults' social interaction and self-concept
• Stronger pet attachment was related to decreased depression, especially in bereaved elders
• Pet ownership influenced health indirectly through improving morale
• Many hospitals and nursing homes in the United States allow patients to be visited by their own pets and also have therapy animal visitation programs

This information can help nurses to know that pets may be important to older adult patients. Why not ask older patients if they have a special pet? Would they like this pet to visit them? What are the policies in your facility regarding pet visitation? If no policy exists, or one exists that prohibits pet visits, why not work to create change? Often, prohibitive policies are not based on fact, but on fear. With simple precautions, there are minimal risks for patients and staff. The research shows the benefits of interacting with pets. Here's another way that nursing can make a difference.