Pining for pets may damage your health

Research planned on dog owners who go away on holiday without their pets

source: Roger Dobson, Independent July 12 2000 p5

Research at the University of Wales, Swansea, will study the effect on dog owners of going on holiday without their pets, comparing this group with owners who take their pets on holiday. Psychologists suggest that leaving a pet behind could cause stress and anxiety, which could lead to cardiovascular problems and affect the immune system. The Society of Companion Animal Studies supports the research. The aims is to show the health benefits from owning dogs, and to convince the National Health Service to permit dogs as visitors in hospitals.
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