Spending Time with Dogs Linked to Slower Ageing in Women

New research indicates that spending time with dogs may significantly slow the biological ageing process in women. A study conducted by Dr. Cheryl Krause-Parello, an associate professor of nursing at Florida Atlantic University, suggests that just one hour a week with a dog can positively impact cellular health by affecting telomere length, a critical marker of ageing.

The findings are particularly relevant for women, who may benefit from this interaction as an accessible method for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. While the study focused on female veterans, it raises questions about whether similar benefits could extend to men.

Study Details and Methodology

The research enlisted 28 women aged between 32 and 72, all of whom were veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition often arises from traumatic experiences and can lead to significant psychological distress. The choice to focus on female veterans stems from their underrepresentation in existing studies.

Participants were divided into two groups. One group engaged in training service dogs for fellow veterans, while the other group watched dog training videos for the same duration. Both groups attended one-hour sessions weekly over eight weeks. The researchers utilized wearable monitors to track biological stress markers, including heart rate variability, and collected saliva samples to assess telomere length.

Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, play a crucial role in cellular longevity. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten, and when they reach a critically short length, the cell deteriorates. The study found that telomere length increased in the group training service dogs, signifying a slower biological ageing process. In contrast, the control group exhibited a decrease in telomere length, indicative of accelerated ageing.

Psychological Benefits and Future Implications

In addition to biological improvements, both groups reported significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress levels throughout the study period. However, the mental health benefits appeared to be similar across both groups, suggesting that the mere act of participating in the study provided therapeutic value.

Dr. Krause-Parello highlighted the unique challenges faced by female veterans during reintegration, noting that traditional PTSD treatments often fail to meet their specific needs. She stated, “Nontraditional approaches like connecting with animals can offer meaningful support. These relationships provide emotional safety and stability, which can be especially powerful for women.”

While the study’s results are promising, they come with a cautionary note regarding the small sample size and the exclusive focus on female veterans from the United States. Future research may look to expand the demographic to include male veterans and a broader population to understand the full potential benefits of animal interactions.

The findings were published in the journal Behavioral Sciences and echo previous research indicating that service dogs can alleviate symptoms of PTSD. A study from the University of Arizona noted that veterans with service dogs experienced milder depression and anxiety, better moods, and improved quality of life.

As the research community continues to explore the benefits of human-animal interactions, this study serves as a significant step toward understanding how dogs can contribute to better health outcomes, particularly for women facing the unique challenges posed by PTSD.