Researchers at North Carolina State University are looking to soy as a way to make traditional canine cancer therapy more effective, less stressful for the dog and less costly for the owners.  

Dr. Steven Suter, assistant professor of oncology, and NC State colleagues studied genistein – a molecule found in soy that has been shown to be toxic to a wide variety of cancer cells in humans – to determine whether it would also inhibit the growth of canine lymphoma cells. The researchers found that a commercially available form of genistein called GCP was effective in killing canine lymphoid cells in a laboratory setting, and that GCP is “bioavailable” in canines – meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream where it can affect cancer cells in the body. The researchers hope that their findings will lead to the use of GCP for their canine patients in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy. The researchers’ findings were published in Clinical Cancer Research.

“Humans have been using soy in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy for some time as a chemo potentiator,” Suter says. “This means that the GCP makes the chemotherapy work more efficiently and faster, which translates to less stress on the patient and less money spent on chemotherapy.” Since dogs absorb GCP in much the same way that humans do, Suter hopes that veterinarians will be able to offer this therapy to canine patients in the near future. “Since GCP is a dietary supplement, it is harmless to patients,” he adds. “Plus it’s inexpensive and easy to administer in a pill form. There’s really no downside here.”

Sar Rooney’s comments:

There are a number of nutrient therapies and herbal medicines, including specific Chinese mushroom extracts that have been shown in scientific research trials to be effective in the treatment of cancer in dogs. As chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be harmful to the body’s own immune function and these treatments are not effective in many types of cancer, and as cancer is now the number one killer of dogs of all ages, it is paramount that safe and effective natural remedies are researched more widely and utilized by trained holistic animal practitioners.

Naturopathic Animal Services

www.DogHealer.com.au

www.AnimalNaturopath.com.au

www.DogNaturopath.com

www.CanineNaturopath.com

www.HealYourDogNaturally.com

Many of you are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month for people and may have personally been touched by the disease. However, did you realize that cats and dogs also get breast cancer? We refer to it as mammary cancer in veterinary medicine.  Everyone loves petting their dog or cat. It relaxes the animal and also the person. Petting can also be a lifesaver for your pet. Mammary tumors are the second most common group of cancers in dogs, comprising 52% of all tumors. Just as in humans, finding these lumps early is very important. Of the mammary gland tumors diagnosed in female dogs, 41% to 53% are diagnosed as malignant. Mammary gland tumors are less common in the cat, but if they do develop, they are more likely to be malignant. Cats and dogs have five pairs of mammary glands extending from their axilla or armpit to the groin area. In the dog, the last two pairs are more likely to form tumors. Clinically, mammary tumors often appear as tissue nodules or enlargements within the mammary glands.

The best way to feel for lumps is to pick a time when your pet is relaxed. Very few dogs will object to a nice belly rub. Start by running your hands along each side of the mammary chains down the body, head to tail. Gently knead the deeper tissue with your thumb and fingertips looking for blips as if you are searching for a BB or small pea. Most of the tumors will develop close to the nipples, but make sure to check the deeper tissue especially in the last two glands since they are usually larger and have more mammary tissue. Also, check for any discharge from the nipples. Although not as common, male dogs have been known to get mammary tumors, so don’t skip the lump search just because your dog is a boy.

What causes mammary tumors in pets? The development of mammary gland neoplasms appears to be hormone-dependent because the risk of developing a mammary tumor increases as the number of estrous (heat) cycles increases. Diet also has been implicated with mammary tumors. Mammary cancer is more common in obese dogs and dogs fed homemade meals consisting of higher proportions of beef and pork and lower proportions of chicken. Administration of certain hormones, such as progesterone and mixed estrogen-progesterone drugs will increase the cancer risk also.

How can you help prevent these tumors? The number one way to prevent mammary tumors in the cat and dog is early spaying. The risk of developing mammary gland tumors is between 0.05% to 0.5% if the dog is spayed prior to the first estrous cycle, which occurs at 6 months old. Compare that to 26% if she is spayed after the second estrous cycle. It can’t be stressed enough that spaying your dog before 6 months of age nearly eliminates mammary cancer risk in your dog! Cats spayed before 6 months of age have a seven times reduced risk of developing mammary cancer and spaying at any age reduces the risk of mammary tumors by 40% to 60% in cats. Other factors that may reduce the incidence of mammary tumors include feeding a well-balanced diet and avoiding obesity.

Mammary tumors in pets can be very aggressive and spread rapidly to the lymph nodes and lungs. Always bring new lumps to the attention of your veterinarian. He or she may want to sample the tumor with a fine needle aspiration and cytology or may recommend surgery right away. Spay your pets early and make the most out of those belly rubs so they can enjoy a long healthy cancer free life.

SAR ROONEY’S NATUROPATHIC VIEW ON BREAST CANCER IN DOGS       

It’s interesting that this article states that dogs fed higher proportions of beef and pork to chicken are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. As most of my (animal naturopath) clients know,  I never encourage the feeding of beef or pork as these foods can produce an inflammatory reaction in dogs (which can not only lead to cancer when fed long-term, but can aggravate arthritis and also increase the risk of heart disease and many other serious diseases in animals).

However, when it comes to feeding your dog a naturopathic diet, I also encourage dog owners to avoid too much chicken – unless it is certified organic and the chickens haven’t been fed growth hormones or antibiotics. These substances can have a dramatic effect on the dogs health and I believe they may significantly increase the risk of developing cancer and other diseases so try to only buy your dog chemical-free, organic chicken.  This also fits in with the naturopathic philosophy of trying to avoid or reduce toxins in your animals. There are a number of other foods that can provide a natural diet for your dog including fresh pilchards from your local fish monger (fed whole with the heads and tails chopped off), fresh, raw lamb (human-grade), chicken and turkey mince (human-grade), large, raw meaty bones to chomp on (for recreation and to clean their teeth) and many other great food choices that can help your dog achieve optimum health.

A: Lipomas are well-encapsulated, benign tumors made up of fat tissue. They are reported to occur in 16% or more of dogs. They are more common in middle aged or older dogs and may be more frequent in overweight pets. Lipomas can be found anywhere in the body, although most commonly occur under the skin of the trunk or limbs. Like most tumors, the exact cause is not known. It is probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Like all benign tumors, lipomas do not spread to other places on the body. However, sometimes they still cause problems. If located in a high-motion area, like under a leg, a large lipoma can interfere with mobility. Lipomas inside the skull can push on the brain and cause neurologic symptoms. Lipomas in locations prone to trauma or that press on nerves or muscles can cause pain.

The largest lipoma I have ever removed was the size of a basketball. Obviously it was causing distress to the dog, despite being technically benign. If a lipoma causes symptoms, it should be removed. Complete excision is curative. Most lipomas do not cause problems and can be safely left alone. Before treating with “benign neglect,” however, it is important to differentiate lipomas from more serious imposters. Infiltrative lipomas are not encapsulated and can spread between tissue layers deep into the body. Infiltrative lipomas are difficult to cure without limb amputation, although early excision offers the best hope. Liposarcomas are cancerous “fatty masses” that can spread throughout the body. Liposarcomas are typically fatal. Mast cell tumors are benign-looking skin cancers that can be mistaken for lipomas. In a dog with any new mass, I recommend examination by a veterinarian. I typically recommend a fine needle aspirate and microscopic evaluation of the cells. With this technique, I have caught several cancers masquerading as lipomas. Generally lipomas should be slow growing, should not bother the pet, and should not ulcerate to the surface. If that ever stops being the case, I recommend prompt excision of the mass and a full biopsy. Sometimes early diagnostics can miss important cells, leading to an inaccurate diagnosis. Other times, another type of tumor develops on the surface or nearby. As with any condition, the best advice is to have a close working relationship with your veterinarian and to have any new problem checked promptly.

SAR’S NATUROPATHIC VIEW ON CANINE LIPOMAS

Even though Lipomas are benign, as a Naturopathic Physician, they always concern me as they are a sign that the body is out of balance. In my opinion, whenever you see the body ‘growing things’ such as lipomas, excessive moles, or other so-called harmless, benign growths (whether it is in dogs, humans or other animals), in my clinical experience it signals that the dog or person may be at higher risk of cancer down the track if they don’t take measures to improve their health.

Lipomas, in my view are the sign of a congested lymphatic system which requires dietary and/or lifestyle changes to allow the lymph system to function better. An example of this is a little mixed-breed dog we rescued many years ago. “Kia” was kept with another dog in a small wired enclosure that had a sandy, dusty floor. Every time one of them moved, there was a big cloud of sand dust that filled their lungs (and congested their lymph system). In addition, she was being fed canned pet food and dry food. When we rescued her, Kia had a massive lymphoma on her side and 2 smaller ones.

Once at our place, Kia was fed an all-natural diet, which included some lymph-clearing herbs and she was not exposed to any dust, sand or toxic chemicals – which allowed her lymphatic system to clear on its own. Her lipomas dispapeared within around 12 months. That was about 11 or 12 years ago and Kia is still with us – running around our backyard as happy as Larry! Even though she’s quite old now she doesn’t have any arthritis or other so-called ‘age-related’ conditions that many older dogs have. My belief is that the body will heal itself when it has the right tools to do so: Correct diet, nutrients, herbal medicines, sunlight, filtered water, exercise, low stress, etc and Kia (and the vast number of dogs I’ve treated around the world) are great examples of this.

About 11:30 a.m. each day, our dog Scooby Doo’s internal clock goes off and the urging begins. He knows that if he is persistent enough at bugging my wife and me as we work at home he’ll get what he wants, a mid-day walk. Seeing the leash, he transforms from a 12-year-old border collie mix into a puppy, jumping for joy and racing around the yard, preparing for takeoff. Our reward is not only seeing his joy but also the mind and body benefits that come from the exercise and a break in our workday.

Three things that help people live healthy lives are regularity of activity, fun and connectedness. Dogs deliver on all three, and there is proof they may be among our best wellness motivators. If you are a dog walker, you’re more likely to meet the recommended daily guidelines for activity.

Animal behaviorist Dr. Sandra McCune, co-editor of the book, “The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for People and Pets,” said that dogs are the reason behind two-thirds of the walks their owners take each week, according to a recent survey of more than 1,011 adults commissioned by pet food company Mars Petcare. One-quarter of people with children and pets regularly visit parks and other outdoor spaces because of their dog. The poll also found that 44 percent of dog owners aged 65 and older exercise on a weekly basis because of their dog. McCune also states that dog walkers are more likely to connect with other people and converse, building social and community ties.

Dogs who nudge us into more movement do so regardless of the weather and so we get out more regularly. When our dogs have regular exercise and play, they are more relaxed, have better digestion, showing us that we can have the same benefits.

A client of mine who lives on the Eastern Plains needed a walking companion to help her lose weight. Her only neighbor nearby was not a good candidate, but his overweight golden retriever was. The neighbor was happy to have someone walk his dog. Walking together regularly, my client and her canine buddy have both succeeded in weight loss.

The health benefits of pets of all kinds are not just limited to increasing our activity. Pets are good for your heart, figuratively and literally. Researchers tell us that pet-owning heart attack patients survive longer than those without pets. Male pet owners showed lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Other studies show pet owners with lower blood pressure readings. Playing with a dog can even elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine – nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties.
Four-legged fitness trainers are a resource not to be overlooked. Take your dog, or somebody else’s, out for a walk and be well.

The Stamford Times
Chris Bosak
22.9.11

NORWALK –Orford is on the road to recovery, thanks in part to an underwater treadmill specifically designed for dogs.

Orford, a friendly two-year-old Havanese that loves attention, is recovering from surgery that repaired a herniated disc. He has been undergoing physical therapy at Sound Paws since July. “He couldn’t use his back legs when we first saw him,” Harlan McLaughlin, canine rehabilitation therapist, said. “Now he’s getting around pretty well.”
Sound Paws, which offers canine rehabilitation and conditioning, is located within Norwalk Animal Hospital on Main Avenue in Norwalk.

The treadmill, made by AquaPaws, is filled with water up to the dog’s neck level. The track then moves similar to a regular treadmill as the dog walks in place. McLaughlin said the treadmill is also used for canine conditioning as the water offers resistance for better exercise and buoyancy to reduce stress on joints. “This treatment is really just becoming popular now. It’s been underutilized for a long time,” McLaughlin said. “In veterinary medicine it’s just starting to become recognized.” Charlie, a dachshund, eagerly waited his turn on the treadmill as Orford jogged on the treadmill.

“Some breeds are just predisposed to back problems,” McLaughlin said.

Orford does six to eight types of exercise each session as each therapy program is handled on an individual basis. The muscles on the inside of his back legs are still weak so McLaughlin uses an exercise band to force his legs outward slightly as he walks on the treadmill. “We need to strengthen the inside of his thighs,” he said. “The treadmill keeps the muscles moving and keeps the joints strong. It makes them use all four legs, too, so they can’t cheat and favor any legs. It really speeds recovery.”

Rehabilitating a dog’s injury is similar to rehabbing a human injury, according to McLaughlin, although it is now just gaining attention as an important part of post-surgical recovery. Dogs with chronic arthritis and soft tissue injuries could also benefit from rehabilitation, he added. Dogs typically do therapy three times a week shortly after surgery and two times a week as the dog gains strength. “Sometimes surgery is all they need,” McLaughlin said. “Other times they need more help.” McLaughlin has been with Norwalk Animal Hospital for 12 years. He received his canine rehabilitation certification nine months ago.

Then there is the growing problem of canine obesity.

“There are so many overweight animals,” McLaughlin said. “Fighting through the water helps them build muscle.” The water is stored in a tank next to the treadmill. Water is filtered and warmed as it flows into the treadmill area. The water in the tank is changed regularly, McLaughlin said.

The treadmill cost about $60,000, but McLaughlin thinks it will be a worthy investment for the business. That said, however, canine physical rehabilitation is not a very lucrative field of veterinary medicine as it demands a lot of time from the doctors and assistants.

“You do rehab because you like it. It’s not a money maker,” McLaughlin said. “It takes a lot of time and hands-on treatment. But it’s fun and rejuvenates your interest in medicine.”

Sar’s comment: This gives a whole new meaning to hydrotherapy! Non-invasive, therapeutic exercise therapy for dogs – What a great concept!

Observer-Reporter.com
22.9.11

State Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil, has introduced legislation that would provide a $300 tax credit to people who adopt a dog or cat from a Pennsylvania animal shelter.
White said with the economic downturn and recent flooding, Pennsylvania’s animal shelters, associations, and rescue agencies have seen a dramatic increase in the number of abandoned and homeless dogs and cats statewide. “This bill would give people incentive to choose their dog or cat from an animal shelter to help offset the expense of caring for the pet. But it would also relieve the strain on overcrowded animal shelters, keep abandoned pets off the streets and give thousands of homeless pets a new home,” White said.
The credit would be per year until Dec. 31, 2013, and would apply to adoptions from a pound, shelter, society, or other rescue association for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Sar’s comment:
What a Fabulous Idea! I wish they would introduce this bill in Australia too! What forward thinking politician could make this happen I wonder?

A team led by Dr. Jaime Modiano, a College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer center expert in comparative medicine, discovered a gene pattern that distinguishes the more severe form of bone cancer from a less aggressive form in dogs. Dogs are the only other species besides humans that develops this disease spontaneously with any frequency.

Quotes

“Our findings pave the way to develop laboratory tests that can predict the behavior of this tumor in dogs and children at the time of diagnosis,” said Dr. Jaime Modiano, College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center expert in comparative medicine. “This allows us to tailor individualized therapy to meet the patient’s needs.”

“Patients with less aggressive disease could be treated conservatively, reducing the side effects and the risks associated with treatment, while patients with more aggressive disease could be treated with more intense therapy,” said Modiano.

A new University of Minnesota discovery may help bone cancer patients fight their disease more effectively, according to new research published in the September issue of Bone.

Bone cancer typically affects children; the course and aggressiveness of the disease can vary from patient to patient and is very difficult to predict. Some patients respond remarkably well to conventional therapies. Their disease shows less aggressive behavior and they can survive for decades without recurrence. Others respond poorly to treatment or their disease comes back rapidly. Often, these patients survive less than five years.Recently, a team led by Dr. Jaime Modiano, a College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center expert in comparative medicine, discovered a gene pattern that distinguishes the more severe form of bone cancer from a less aggressive form in dogs. Dogs are the only other species besides humans that develops this disease spontaneously with any frequency.In fact, dogs are much more likely to develop bone cancer than humans, but according to Modiano – who specializes in the relationship between animal and human disease – human and canine forms of bone cancer are very similar and the gene pattern is an exact match. The discovery of this key differentiating signature may be beneficial in the treatment planning of human bone cancer patients.”Our findings pave the way to develop laboratory tests that can predict the behavior of this tumor in dogs and children at the time of diagnosis,” said Modiano. “This allows us to tailor individualized therapy to meet the patient’s needs.”The downstream impact of the findingsUniversity of Minnesota researchers hope to use their findings to develop practical and useful lab tests for humans and for companion animals that will help clinical care providers determine the type of  canccer a patient faces, and how aggressive that cancer may be.

Then, depending on which type of cancer a patient has, clinicians could adjust interventions and treatment plans accordingly.

“Patients with less aggressive disease could be treated conservatively, reducing the side effects and the risks associated with treatment, while patients with more aggressive disease could be treated with more intense therapy,” said Modiano.

The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute, the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund.

Source:
Kelly O’Connor
University of Minnesota

Sar Rooney’s Comments:

The association between animal and human disease is a fascinating topic and one that has always interested me greatly. I was lucky enough to gain a much greater knowledge in this field when I completed a degree in Zoology at uni, after becoming a qualified health scientist and a naturopath and found this diversity of study to be really beneficial whether I am treating people or dogs. However, on the topic of bone cancer, most people are not aware that undiagnosed Coeliac disease can eventually result in an aggressive form of Bone cancer.  

Coeliac symptoms usually involve one or more of the following: e.g. loose bowels or constipation, fat in the stools, excessive (and foul smelling) flatulence, abdominal bloating, nutrient deficiencies esp. B12, Vit. K and iron, fatigue, weight loss for no reason, low cholesterol, dry skin & possibly rashes, general weakness, missed periods in women – however, sometimes this condition has no symptoms at all.

If you have any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, ask your doctor for a simple antibody blood test – it might just save your life!

Warm regards,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Sara Rooney BHSc., ND., DC., DASc., GDSc. (Hons). MATMS                                                                                                                                             Naturopathic Physician & Research Health Scientist 

www.AnimalNaturopath.com.au

www.EarthMedicine.com

www.DogNaturopath.com

www.CanineNaturopath.com

                            

 

 

29.7.11

A new epilepsy gene, LGI2, has been found in the Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, known for their gift for truffle hunting. The gene discovery made by Professor Hannes Lohi and his research group at the University of Helsinki and the Folkhalsan Research Center offers a new candidate gene for human benign childhood epilepsies characterized by seizure remission. The research was published in the prestigious scientific journal PLoS Genetics on July 28.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in children. It occurs in 0.5 percent of all 2-10 year-old children – during the ages when the development of the nerves in the brain is at its strongest. Childhood epilepsies are characterized by remission: the seizures set in and last for a while before they disappear completely. The mechanisms related to the remission have remained unknown. The new gene discovery made by the research group of Professor Lohi and colleagues in the Lagotto Romagnolo breed gives us new perspectives into the development of a child’s brain and the remission mechanisms in childhood epilepsies. In addition, the identified gene has enabled the development of a DNA test for the Lagotto Romagnolo breed.

This gene discovery is significant for both dogs and humans. Every third Lagotto Romagnolo carries the gene mutation in its genome and we have now developed a gene test to be used by breeders to eliminate the disease from the breed. Furthermore, the gene has not previously been linked to human epilepsies, which makes it a new candidate gene for childhood epilepsies, explains Hannes Lohi.

An epileptic seizure is caused by an electronic disturbance in brain function. Epilepsies form a heterogeneous group of syndromes of the nervous system in which the causes, the age of onset and the treatment vary significantly. Epilepsy is most common in the ends of the age spectrum – childhood and old age.

With this study we gain crucial insight into the pathways and mechanisms that control the development of a child’s brain, optimizing its structure for electrical stability and seizure-freedom in the rest of adult life. This study will open vast avenues of research in uncovering the molecular bases of the transformation of the brain from its immature state in infancy to its maximal abilities in adolescence and early adulthood, says Dr. Berge Minassian, senior co-author of the study and a senior scientist and pediatric epileptologist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.

Epilepsy is the most common disease of the nervous system in dogs, and different types of hereditary epilepsy exist in many breeds. Lohi has previously identified the first canine epilepsy gene, EPM2B, in the Miniature Dachshund. The newly identified mutation in the LGI2 gene is the first idiopathic epilepsy gene in dogs.

Previous clinical studies have demonstrated the focal remitting epilepsy in Lagotto Romagnolo puppies. Seizures causing tremor, trembling, shaking and wheezing set in at around four weeks of age and last for one to two months before a complete cease. The seizure frequency varies significantly even within the same litter and severity can vary from very mild to attacks of unconsciousness. The mildest seizures may even go unnoticed. Between seizures some dogs may experience ataxic episodes with difficulties in movement coordination and motor function. Lagotto’s epilepsy resembles human benign childhood epilepsies with remission.

We tested the mutation in about 40 different breeds and in dogs with a very early age of onset of epilepsy, but it was present only in Lagottos. On the other hand, the study revealed another form of epilepsy in the breed, unconnected with this mutation and with an age of onset in adulthood. In addition, the breed has a progressive juvenile ataxia (lack of motor coordination) with similar onset and symptoms to juvenile epilepsy except that it does not remit – ataxic puppies have to be euthanized usually by the first year of life. More samples are needed for both adult-onset epilepsy and ataxia to enable us to investigate their genetics further, says a primary author of the study, Eija Seppälä, PhD.

Together with his research group Lohi has built a large canine DNA bank in Finland with over 35 000 samples from 250 breeds. The DNA bank has played an important role in the present and ongoing studies.

We also study the epilepsies in other breeds, and several new epilepsy loci have been discovered recently. I believe that there will be more similar success stories such as the case of the truffle dogs in future. Canine epilepsies are natural, spontaneous and resemble human epilepsies, offering us a great opportunity to advance the epilepsy research for the benefit of both humans and dogs, Lohi asserts.

Lohi’s research group operates in two campuses at the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine at the University of Helsinki and also at the Folkhälsan Research Center.

Notes:

Lohi’s research is funded by several sources including the Academy of Finland, the European Union, the Sigfrid Jusélius Foundation, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Biocentrum Helsinki, University of Helsinki Research Funds and Folkhälsan.

Seppälä EH, Jokinen TS, Fukata M, Fukata Y, Webster MT, Karlsson EK, Kilpinen SK, Steffen F, Dietschi E, Leeb T, Eklund R, Xiaochu Z, Rilstone J, Lindblad-Toh K, Minassian BA and Lohi H. LGI2 Truncation Causes A Remitting Focal Epilepsy in Dogs, PloSGenetics, doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002194.

Jokinen T, Metsahonkala L, Bergamasco L-A, Viitmaa R, Syrja P, Lohi H, Snellman M, Jeserevics J, and Cizinauskas S. Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy in Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs, J Vet Int Med, 21(3):464-71, 2007.

Source:
Hannes Lohi
University of Helsinki

Lots of research has indicated that having a dog or a cat can help people live happier, healthier lives. But it’s been unclear whether there really is a cause-and-effect relationship between pet ownership and better physical and mental health. Now, new research indicates that the benefits of having a canine or feline companion are real and broad……

A team of psychologists from Miami University and St. Louis University conducted a series of studies aimed at trying to tease out the benefits of pet ownership. “Although there is correlational evidence that pets may help individuals facing significant life stressors, little is known about the well-being benefits of patterns for everyday people,” they wrote in a paper published online this week by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. In the first part of the research, 217 people answered detailed questionnaires online designed to determine whether pet owners tend to be different from people who do not own pets. The survey assessed variables such as depression, loneliness, self-esteem, illness, activity level and their relationships with other people. The researchers found that, in fact, there were lots of differences, with pet owners faring much better overall. For example, pet owners tended to be less lonely, have higher self-esteem, get more exercise, be more extroverted and were less fearful about getting close to other people.

In the second part of the research, the researchers studied 56 dog owners. In addition to filling out the same questionnaire used in the first part of the study, the researchers also gathered detailed information about how they related to their dogs, and to other people. The owners tended to get the most benefit from having a canine companion when their dogs “complemented rather than competed” with humans in their lives, the researchers found. “In fact … we repeatedly observed evidence that people who enjoyed greater benefits from their pets also were closer to other important people in their lives and received more support from them, not less,” the researchers wrote. Dogs that were less fearful, more active and less aggressive toward people and other animals seemed to fulfill their owners’ needs the best, the researchers found. In the last experiment, the researchers brought 97 undergraduates into the laboratory and asked them to write about a time when they felt socially excluded and then write about a favorite pet or a favorite friend. Writing about pets was just as effective as writing about a friend in terms of minimizing feelings of rejection, the researchers found. “In summary, pets can serve as important sources of social support, providing many positive psychological and physical benefits for their owners,” the researchers wrote.

Sar Rooney’s comment:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       It was interesting that the researchers found that the most fulfilled dog owners were those that had dogs that were “Less fearful, more active and less aggressive” because, I’d have to say, after many years of treating people and dogs, I quite often find that dog’s develop similar personalities to their owners.  

Although there are always exceptions to the rule, I have usually found that warm, affectionate humans often have friendly, non-aggressive dogs; really assertive, dominating type people often have anxious and/or aggressive dogs; depressed, melancholic people frequently have animals that are anxious with chronic health problems. Therefore, it makes you wonder how valid this research really is because if my experience working with people and dogs is an accurate reflection of the correlation between humans and animals – and the dog reflects their owners personality – then it stands to reason that the people in the study who were happier, more socially connected and felt more fulfilled in life would have felt that way regardless and the more unhappy poor souls may have projected those negative feelings on to their animals.

The moral of this comment is ‘Be careful what you think and feel because your dogs and cats pick up on your thoughts and feelings’ so if you want a happier, more relaxed pet that has optimum health – perhaps you might want to consider the state of your own mental, emotional and physical health and seek help if you need it. One thing’s for sure though, pets can really enrich our lives and make it a much happier world to live in and share.

Do you agree that pets reflect their owner’s personality? Tell us your thoughts below ↓

June 09, 2011
HealthDay News

Taking your dog for a walk is good for both of you.

Walking helps control blood pressure and weight, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. “The need to provide daily walks for a dog is great for dog owners as well,” vascular surgeon Dr. Leila Mureebe said in a society news release. “Exercise is good for the body’s blood supply, for maintaining proper body weight and for controlling blood pressure.”

A recent U.S. National Institutes of Health-funded study of 2,000 adults found that those who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t walk dogs. “A brisk 30-minute walk with your dog is good for both of you,” Mureebe said. During the summer, it’s best to walk in the early morning or evening, to limit sun exposure and reduce the risk of heat stroke for both you and your dog. Dogs can offer other health benefits. For example, studies have found that petting a dog reduces people’s blood pressure and heart rate, the Society for Vascular Surgery said. About 77.5 million dogs live in 39 percent of U.S. households, according to the Humane Society of the United States.