GPs "would prescribe pets" to improve patient health
The majority of GPs said animals had improved patients' physical conditions.
An overwhelming majority of family doctors and GPs say animals have improved their patients' physical condition, mental health and mood, according to the results of a new survey.
The online survey was the first of its kind to examine doctors' views and knowledge of the beneficial impact animals can have on human health. It was conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) in partnership with the Cohen Research Group.
Of the 1,000 doctors who took part, 69 per cent had worked with animals in hospitals, medical centres or practices. The majority said animals improved patients' physical condition (88 per cent), mental health (97 per cent), mood or outlook (98 per cent) and relationships with staff (76 per cent).
"Doctors and their patients really understand the human health benefits of pets and they are putting that understanding into practice," said HABRI executive director Steven Feldman.
Almost all (97 per cent) believe there are health benefits to owning a pet and three-quarters of the respondents said they had seen improvements in the overall health of at least one of their patients as a result of becoming a pet owner.
Many GPs had recommended a patient get a pet and almost three-quarters of them said they would "prescribe" pets to patients if medical evidence supported it.
"Time constraints" were reported as one of the major obstacles to discussing with patients the benefits of pets, however.
Mr Feldman added: "The science shows that pets can help with a wide range of health conditions - from heart health to depression to post traumatic stress disorder.
"HABRI hopes that this survey will help to break down the barriers and get more doctors and their patients talking about the important, scientifically-validated health benefits of pets."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
