This week’s Wellness Wednesday focuses on the benefits of having an animal in your home, or even spending time with animals at shelters as a volunteer. Don’t be immune from the health boost a friendly furball can give to you!
A Healthier Cardiovascular System
A popularized study in the scientific community has proven again and again, with repeated studies, that pets help strengthen the heart muscle. Pet owners are more likely to have lower blood pressure, recover more rapidly from heart disease than non-owners, and carry less stress in their lives. One published study found a striking connection between those who live longer after a heart attack when they owned a dog, compared to those without a pet.
Boost Your Mood With Friends Many dog owners find themselves out and about more often than others because their pup needs regular walking for overall health and wellness! Dog parks, neighborhoods and hiking paths are all opportunities to meet others and socialize (both you and your dog). Those who socialize more often are likely to have a stronger immune system, healthier circulation, and a healthy body weight! When you leash up, remember that both you and your dog are enjoying the benefits of your companionship! Fun Fact: Even robotic dogs were shown to increase positive mood in retirement homes and with the disabled, meaning that the relationship could be key to a healthier mind! Rapid Healing With Pet Therapy Animal therapy is growing increasingly more popular with psychologists all over the world, and for good reason. When a person is struggling with a disorder, illness, or even chronic stress, the impact that an animal has is hard to replicate in an office. Horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, and llamas are just a few of the common pet therapy creatures being used today! There is a sense of unconditional love from an animal that many people find soothing, creating space for true healing to occur on a deep level. Fun Fact: Horses have a spiritual significance in healing, making them a popular choice for pet therapy. Their calm demeanor is very contagious! A Healthier Family Did you know that introducing your baby to a home with a pet could make them less likely to develop allergies? The low level exposure may allow the body to counteract any histamine (allergy) reaction early on in life. Besides, is there nothing more adorable to watch than a child and a pet bonding and cuddling? Fun Fact: Homes with both a dog and a cat were shown to raise more empathetic children than those with only one or the other. |
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