The Epidemiology of Human-Animal Interactions: Part II Health Benefits to Humans Larry Glickman, VMD, DrPH and Nita Glickman, MS, MPH Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine

The Epidemiology of Human-Animal Interactions: Health Benefits to Humans of Animal Ownership Larry Glickman and Nita Glickman

Human-Animal Bond: Definition “A continuous, bi-directional relationship between a human and an animal that brings significant benefit to a central aspect of the lives of each, which is in some sense voluntary and in which each party treats the other as an object of admiration, trust, devotion, or love.”

Traditional Roles & Functions of Animals Sources of food & clothing Symbols (religious, cultural) Transportation & ‘Beasts of Burden’ Companionship

Traditional Roles & Functions of Animals (continued) Units of barter & measure of wealth Entertainment & sport Security, protection, rescuerescue

More “Modern” Roles of Animals Models for comparative medicine & biomedical research Stress reduction through role as member of family & social-support networkStress reduction through role as member of family & social-support network Therapeutic, psychological & physical aidsTherapeutic, psychological & physical aids Education, e.g., teaching nurturance to childrenEducation

Proposed Physical & Psychological Impact on Humans by Pets Pets are a source of: Companionship Love Humor Play Exercise Sense of power Outlets for displacement & nurturance

Reasons Reported for Families Obtaining a Pet Companionship/pleasure49%Companionship/pleasure Educational for children11%Educational for children Rescued it11%Rescued it Replacement of person or pet 7% Sport 1% Breeding 1%Breeding

Concerning the Importance of Pets: Reported Responses Pet very important to family96%Pet very important to family Increased family happiness & fun after getting pet70% Pet is a full family member68%

Concerning the Importance of Pets: Reported Responses Pet of great importance to family members when they were sad, lonely, & depressed68%Pet of great importance to family members when they were sad, lonely, & depressed Pet communicated with family73%Pet communicated with family Pet understood when family members talked to it77%

Attitudes of the Elderly Regarding the Benefits of Pets Talk to their pet95% Pet helps when they feel sad81%Pet helps when they feel sad Pet helps when they physically feel bad71% Touching their pet makes them feel better65% Confide in their pet57%

Magnitude of Pet Populations: European Community

Magnitude of Pet Populations: United States (1996)

Example 1: Association of Pet Ownership with Survival Following a Heart Attack

Example 2: Pet Ownership is Associated with Decreased Physician Visits in the Elderly

Example 3: Value of Service Dogs for People with Severe Ambulatory Disabilities P<.001

Value of Service Dogs for People with Severe Ambulatory Disabilities (con’d) P<.001

Implications of Pet Ownership for Human Health & Epidemiologic Research Pet animals are an integral component of the social & environmental milieu of “modern” society. Pet animals often are part of the family and social support network.Pet animals often are part of the family and social support network.

Implications of Pet Ownership for Human Health Pet animals may positively impact human health and should be considered as important moderating influences in epidemiologic studies of risk & prognostic factors for human diseases.Pet animals may positively impact human health

Implications of Pet Ownership for Human Health The mechanisms by which pet animals influence human health are not fully understood.

Implications of Pet Ownership for Human Health Pet-facilitated therapy may be effective for treating specific diseases or chronic conditions & can reduce the cost of traditional health care.Pet-facilitated therapy Pets should be considered as alternative or complementary treatments for some diseases.

Important Questions for Future Research What is it about pet ownership that influences human health? Who is most likely to benefit from pet ownership? Children? Senior Citizens? Are the beneficial physiological responses of humans to animal contact sustainable over time?