MAN
& BEASTJohn Clarkson looks at the pleasure and support our furry - and not so furry - friends can give us
People and animals have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since the Stone Age. Although this affiliation probably first began with dogs and horses to help people hunt, it soon developed into a less practical bond. The ancient Egyptians are well known to have worshipped cats, and mourned and mummified them when they died. They also domesticated gazelles which they kept purely for pleasure. Although cats and cat lovers had a rough time in Europe in the Middle Ages, soon after that, keeping canaries, rabbits and even guinea pigs purely as pets became normal. Few people still believe cats are deities or need dogs to help them hunt, so why does this relationship persist?
Pets
are good for youMany vets and pet-owners have long recognised the health benefits of the human-animal bond. Although this link is difficult to prove, an increasing number of studies have shown that pet ownership improves health in a number of physical and psychological ways. And it would appear that most of these benefits directly affect people living with HIV.
Most
obvious is the sense of companionship, protection and fulfilment gained from nurturing
and caring for another living organism. Many people living with HIV can experience
depression and isolation, and almost half of the respondents to PN's 2002 Readers'
Survey said that they lived by themselves. Studies have shown that simply stroking
an animal promotes relaxation and can lower a person's blood pressure, while the
fact of being greeted on your return home will obviously alleviate feelings of
isolation and loneliness, two major causes of depression.
More recent research has indicated some more surprising effects:
HIV
and petsWhen the first cases of HIV and Aids emerged, many doctors advised those infected to get rid of their pets in order to avoid cross-contamination with 'zoonoses'. This term refers to the small number of ailments that can infect both man and beast. Most illnesses are species-specific; your gerbil cannot catch your cold, for example. And although some animals can have syndromes similar to HIV - cats can be infected with FIV for example - there is no way you can pass it on to your pet. However some bacteria and viruses are not so choosy, and some of these can cause serious problems in immuno-suppressed individuals. So HIV positive people need to be extra careful in dealing with their pets.
The
most common of these are cryptosporidiosis (crypto), toxoplasmosis (toxo) and
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Although pets are not the most common sources
of these diseases (you can be infected with crypto from water for example), there
are some common sense rules to make this even less likely:
With less medical hysteria about HIV and the advent of effective treatments it is now unlikely that you will be advised against owning a pet. Nadine Lock, veterinary surgeon with the Blue Cross says: "In my opinion, any health risks are far outweighed by the benefits and as long as basic hygiene rules are followed the risks will be minimal."
The
right pet for youIf you decide that a pet is for you, then it is important you choose the right one. Cats may have nine lives, but these are quickly used up falling from a tenth floor balcony. If you live miles from a park or open space your dog may get bored on the train when it's time for walkies. Be practical and chose an animal that fits in with your life.
Baby
animals are undeniably cute, but also more likely to have infections or scratch
and bite; they will also need house training. Consider an older animal from a
reputable homing centre, like the Blue Cross or RSPCA (see below for details).
You'll also have the satisfaction of giving a good home to an animal in need and
the knowledge that it's in good health. Snakes and reptiles are exotic and unusual
but have a high rate of salmonella infection, and should probably be avoided by
people with HIV.
A
two-way streetOwning a pet is not only a pleasure, it's also a serious responsibility, and they're certainly not just for Christmas. Like all relationships, the love you get from your pet is contingent on the care and affection you give them. Dogs may be man's best friend but they still need walking every day - and that's without fail, rain or shine, no matter how hard a day you had at work. Cats have a reputation for independence, but still need feeding and their litter trays emptying. Even fish need food and clean tanks.
If your life is simply too hectic to make time even for a low-maintenance pet then DON'T GET ONE - but you might want to think what that kind of life style is doing to your health.
And
there is also the cost. Not only is there the food, litter, cages, leads etc to
pay for, if your animal gets sick - and at some point they almost certainly will
- vets don't come cheap. Many insurers offer 'pet protection plans' from as little
as £6.00 per month that can help with these bills. See below for details.
Despite the cost and responsibilities, owning a pet can be a deeply rewarding experience, and properly treated they may even help you have a happier and longer life.
For more information about pet ownership and re-homing contact The Blue Cross at www.bluecross.org.uk tel 01993 825500 or The RSPCA at www.rspca.org.uk tel 0870 333 5999. For a comprehensive list of pet insurers visit www.pet-insurance.co.uk or contact Pet Plan on www.petplan.co.uk tel 020 8580 8080 or visit www.sainsburysbank.co.uk Remember prices vary according to type and and age of animal and where you live. Shop around and always read the small print. If you have concerns why not talk to your doctor about zoonoses? - See if they know what it means! |
