Funding for health and dog ownership research
Academics from the University of Lincoln and Glasgow Caledonian University have been awarded $45,000 to fund research into the effect of dog ownership on human health.
Awarded by the International Society of Anthrozoology and WALTHAM, the funding is intended to further research into human-animal interactions, focusing specifically on the role pets play in the lives of elderly people, and how they can enhance healthy longevity.
Previous research has established that dog owners are more likely to walk for longer time periods than those without a dog, but research to this point has only focused on walking dogs outdoors, excluding activities such as walking around the house or taking the dog to training classes.
Professor Daniel Mills and Dr Sarah Ellis, from the University of Lincoln’s School of Life Sciences, will focus on measuring health-enhancing physical activity patterns and sedentary behaviour amongst older people who own dogs.
Professor Mills commented: "We are really excited by this award, as it not only recognises the quality of our ongoing research into human-animal interactions, but allows us to strengthen an important collaboration with human health professionals.”
The study gets going this summer and will last two years.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
