In Alzheimer's patients, pets stimulate happy memories and encourage interaction with others. Studies show that the tendency to mentally wander decreased and serenity and alertness increased when an animal was present. Troubled and withdrawn children, elderly, and handicapped become more responsive and happier when around animals. Many children's hospitals across the country use furry friends to help patients recover. They make the hospital less intimidating and more homelike for many children.
Pets can contribute to longevity.
A 1995 study evaluated 400 heart attack survivors one year after being discharged from the hospital and found the patients with pets at home had significantly higher survival rates than patients without pets. This is true even after accounting for factors such as the severity of the heart disease. Approximately four out of ten patients visiting the allergist are allergic to pet dander and fur. However, twenty-five percent of all people with any kind of allergy can expect their symptoms to worsen in the company of dogs or cats. Whether a pet lives with or visits someone, a few reminders can make the experience more pleasant for everyone.