Experts agree petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure.
But South African scientists recently discovered Fifi can also serve as a pooch form of Prozac, increasing the release of endorphins and other hormones tied to pleasure. Those findings inspired researchers at the University of Missouri to launch a similar study. To come up with cold, hard data about the health benefits of pets. Pets Make the Rounds One project involving cancer patients and dogs is already under way, and another which will study levels of five hormones in animals and people while they interact will begin early next year. The active study examines the effects of dogs on cancer patients in radiation therapy, said veterinarian Dr. Richard Meadows, a lead researcher and acting director of the Center for the Study of Animal Wellness at the university.