Pets Information


Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners


Did you know that there are key health benefits that can result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How can a pet help your physical health?

Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, you're much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the best health activities you can do. While walking you're also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps control increases in blood pressure due to stress.

In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology, Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting your dog slows your heart rate and causes your blood pressure to drop.

An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients may live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because research has shown that a faithful canine companion can help prolong an owner's life.

2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?

Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A study conducted at Australia's University of New England found that people who own feline friends may experience fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats.

Pets can help their owners overcome depression through their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy life more.

Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness. English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine of getting out, buying food and providing exercise. This can help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple responsiblity of pet care can help you get your mind off yourself and your problems.

3. How can a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of relationships?

American Animal Hospital Association President, Link Wellborn, believes that pets are more than just a member of the family - they're central to a healthy lifestyle.

Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a lot of fun and unconditional love to the homes where they live. When pets do cute and funny things - which they often do - family members react by laughing and being more relaxed.

If you don't have a pet yet, consider making one part of your family, but make sure you have the time and resources necessary to provide a stable loving home for your new friend.

If you choose a dog as your new pal, remember this wise old saying. "A dog is man's best friend." That's true in more ways than one. You'll get unconditional love, companionship, loyalty and relaxation in return for your investment of time and material resources.

What a bargain!

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a f^ree newsletter to help you live a more more energetic lifestyle. Check out http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.artbywagner.com


MORE RESOURCES:

China Daily

Pet stores struggle to cope with dogs abandoned after holidays
China Daily
By Zhou Wenting (China Daily) SHANGHAI-A 3-year-old Doberman Pinscher has been waiting for its owner for three weeks in a pet shop here, where it was taken for a bath in mid-January, to be claimed on the following day. Li Haigang, shopkeeper of Little ...

and more »


Bogue: Don't let your pet swallow small objects
San Jose Mercury News
The moral of the story is: Keep your home free of small things that can harm your pets. That also includes golf balls and bigger dogs that can swallow them. a good idea to keep those objects hidden out of its reach. Particular problem objects include: ...

and more »


Bryan College Station Eagle

Expecting parents can help pets adapt
Green Bay Press Gazette
Experts say the countdown should include prep time for pets too. A baby changes everything for a pet — from how its home looks, smells and sounds to what the rules are. Low energy, friendly, social dogs are the most adaptable pets, while independent, ...
Baby on the way? Prepare your pet for new arrivalHerald Times Reporter
Pets need some prep for new babiesBryan College Station Eagle

all 12 news articles »


Cleveland News - Fox 8

Obesity epidemic strikes US pets
CNN
The majority of adult dogs and cats in US homes are overweight or obese, and the problem has gotten worse over the past year, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Fifty-three percent of adult dogs and 55% of cats were classified as ...
Avoid a Pet Emergency in Overtime: Super Sunday's Parties Can Be Dangerous To ...MarketWatch (press release)
Are We Feeding Our Pets to Death?Gawker
Half of All US Pets Dangerously OverweightCalorieLab Calorie Counter News

all 58 news articles »


Pets rescued from burning clinic
Charleston Gazette
Several pets were rescued from a veterinarian clinic in Logan after a fire broke out there early Sunday morning. Firefighters were called to Knowles Animal Hospital, 615 Stratton St., around 2 am, Lt. Hatfield of the Logan Fire Department said.

and more »


BigPond News

Ohio bill would ban new ownership of exotic pets
Seattle Post Intelligencer
ANN SANNER, AP COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Proposed legislation in Ohio would ban the purchase of lions, bears and other exotic animals, but current owners of the dangerous wildlife would be allowed to keep them as pets if they meet strict new requirements.
State bill would ban new ownership of exotic petsFox News

all 212 news articles »


Good News For Pet Lovers Can Get Better
KXO Radio
The percentage of dogs and cats in homes adopted from shelters and rescue groups has risen from 27 to 29 percent in the last few years, while the number of healthy and treatable pets losing their lives for lack of a home has dropped from 3 million to ...
Homeless Pet ClubsPatch.com

all 3 news articles »


Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com

More pet owners take advantage of free rabies clinics in Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com
Twelve free rabies vaccination clinics were held over the past month in Hunterdon County, timed so that people registering their pets can show proof of current rabies vaccination. The next clinic is scheduled at the High Bridge rescue squad building on ...

and more »


New York Daily News

Courtney Love 'to sue over leaked testimony in which daughter Frances Bean ...
Daily Mail
In the explosive files, Frances Bean accused her mother of causing the death of their family pets. She filed the restraining order against Love in LA superior court in December 2009 after they got into a physical fight. Backed by evidence from her male ...
Courtney Love's accused of killing family pets by daughter?Gather Celebs News Channel
Courtney Love to sue over leaked restraining order filed by daughterZee News
Frances Bean Cobain: Courtney Love 'killed the family pets'New York Daily News
Fox News
all 130 news articles »


Orsini Looking for More Than a Blind Date
Patch.com
They are very nice people with friendly pets who I get along with just fine. I am happy for the love and warmth they have shown toward me, even when I have been shy and hesitant around them. Now that I have been here for a while, I am much more relaxed ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007