A Scoping Review of the Risks Posed by Companion Animals to Older Adults
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 14845441 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Joshua Zoanetti (The University of Adelaide, corresponding author), Janette Young (0000-0002-2284-3485, University of South Australia), Torben Nielsen (0000-0002-9372-8652, The University of Adelaide), Torben Dahl Nielsen (The University of Adelaide) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 1015-1031 |
| Publication date | 2024-09-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Anthrozoös (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0892-7936 • E-ISSN: 1753-0377 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08927936.2024.2351278 |
| OpenAlex | W4398253633 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 57 |
Research has reported on positive aspects of pet guardianship to reduce physical and mental health issues in older adults (over the age of 65 years). There is, however, a need to be cognizant of the risks that pertain to companion animal guardianship. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically identify literature regarding the risks that companion animal guardianship may pose to older adults to facilitate greater understanding and inclusion of pets in the lives of older adults. Using online databases (Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar), systematic searches were conducted. From 11,868 articles, 26 were included in the final data synthesis. The type of risk reported was categorized into three groups (zoonotic, physical, and psychological), with the worst outcomes reported being fatal, potentially fatal, and severe, respectively. Very little literature for pet species other than dogs and cats were identified. Whilst further research is required to fully quantify the risks that arise from the cohabitation of pets and older adults, there is enough evidence for older adults to be safely engaging with pets and hence continue to benefit from the human–animal bond
Companion animal · Veterinary medicine · Dietary Effects on Health · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Zoonotic diseases and public health · Gerontology
The PRISMA 2020 statement
Suicide in older adults
Gender, mental health and ageing
Cardiovascular Reactivity and the Presence of Pets, Friends, and Spouses
The Impact of Animal-Assisted Intervention on Staff in a Seniors Residential Care Facility
A Bird in the House
Scoping studies
An Evaluation of Dog-Assisted Therapy for Residents of Aged Care Facilities with Dementia
Pets, Depression and Long-term Survival in Community Living Patients Following Myocardial Infarction
Do Animal-Assisted Activities Effectively Treat Depression? A Meta-Analysis
Nursing Home Staffs' Empathy for a Missing Therapy Dog, their Attitudes to Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs and Suitable Dog Breeds
A Qualitative Analysis of Pets as Suicide Protection for Older People
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |