What Are the Health Benefits to People of Having a Dog?

Studies have proven that petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure. In addition, the studies have shown that patients who have access to pets recover faster from illness or surgery. -- as published in the Medical Journal of Australia, Vol. 157, Section 7, 1992 "Pet Ownership and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease." We would like to make the obvious point that an older dog, being calm and mellow, is the kind of dog who most enjoys lying quietly to be petted or to keep someone company while recovering.