Larsen B A, Lingaas F
Seksjon for allmennmedisin, Institutt for samfunnsmedisin, Universitetet i Bergen.
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1997 Dec 10;117(30):4375-9.
Companion dogs are widespread in western countries, and scientific studies have proved that dogs have a number of positive effects on human health and well-being. Studies have shown reduced systolic blood pressure in dog owners compared to non-owners, as well as lowered concentrations of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol. Studies have also shown improved survival rates following myocardial infarction in dog owners compared to non-owners. Companion dogs are used systematically in "animal assisted therapy" in various institutions and hospitals, both as specific treatment of a medical condition and to improve well-being in certain groups of patients. The reasons for the positive effects of dogs on human health are not clearly identified. The attachment between people and their pets ("the human-animal bond") seems to have important physiological and psychological effects. Companion dogs have been shown to increase physical activity and social contact, which may also influence human health.
伴侣犬在西方国家广泛存在，科学研究已证明狗对人类健康和幸福有诸多积极影响。研究表明，与非养狗者相比，养狗者的收缩压降低，血浆甘油三酯和胆固醇浓度也有所降低。研究还表明，与非养狗者相比，养狗者心肌梗死后的存活率有所提高。在各类机构和医院中，伴侣犬被系统地用于“动物辅助治疗”，既作为某种疾病的特定治疗手段，也用于改善某些患者群体的健康状况。狗对人类健康产生积极影响的原因尚未明确。人与宠物之间的情感纽带（“人-动物关系”）似乎具有重要的生理和心理影响。伴侣犬已被证明能增加身体活动和社交接触，这也可能对人类健康产生影响。
