Dog ownership status and self‐assessed health, life‐style and habitual physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Introduction The Statement from the American Heart Association has emphasized a need for novel strategies that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Taking a dog for a walk forces its owner to take physical activity. Several studies have explored the relationship between pet ownership and CVD and most reported benefits. This issue has not been investigated in dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of pet ownership on health and physical activity in hemodialysis patients. Methods 270 chronic hemodialysis patients (172 male, 98 female, mean age 62.7 ± 14.0 years, hemodialysis vintage 4 ± 5 years) took part in the survey focused on their general health and physical activity. Findings Two hundred nineteen (81%) patients were mobile. One hundred sixteen participants had dog at home (43%). An additional physical activity was reported by 46 dog owners (40%) compared with 34 (23%) of nonowners (P = 0.002). Patients who often go for a walk were more often pet owners 49 (57%) than nonowners (n = 37, 43%; P = 0.004). Pet owners were younger (58.3 ± 13.6 vs. 66 ± 13.5 years). Body mass index (BMI) was similar. Patients with BMI from upper tertile (>27.5 kg/m(2) ) and from lower (<23.9) were more often dog owners than from the middle (52.9%, 43.7%, and 31.4%). Dog owners were on dialysis for longer time (5.0 ± 6.5 vs. 3.5 ± 3.7 years; P = 0.02). Discussion Dog ownership appears to positively influence the level of physical activity. Age but not time on dialysis seems to be the most important factor that influences a decision to own a pet and undertake physical activity.

The deterioration in physical function of hemodialysis patients

“…41 These interventions could be undertaken using weight machines 42,43 or resistance bands 20,44 most conveniently during dialysis. 45 Thinking out of the box and contemplating novel activities to increase physical activity for hemodialysis patients include dog ownership, 46 laughter therapy 47,48 and even intradialytic seated dancing. 49,50 Given the clear and significant physical deterioration programs to increase patient activity on and off the dialysis machine should all be considered.…”

Dog ownership and mental health among community‐dwelling older adults: A systematic review

“…Previous research has shown that the presence of a dog has a number of positive impacts on people's physical health 15 . For example, it has been reported that owning a dog leads to a 24% reduction in the risk of all‐cause mortality at all ages, 16 a 31% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, 16–18 greater physical activity, 19 and greater ability to embrace a healthy lifestyle 20,21 . Just as in younger individuals, older dog owners benefit from the effects of walking a dog 22–27 .…”

Might Dog Walking Reduce the Impact of COPD on Patients’ Life?

“…The association between dog ownership and increased PA, primarily through dog walking, has been also confirmed in subjects with diabetes [ 28 ], cardiovascular diseases [ 29 ], breast cancer [ 30 ], in chronic hemodialysis patients [ 31 ] and in obese people who have undergone a gastric banding procedure [ 32 ].…”