The power of pets

In recent years, research has backed up what pet owners have known all along: Having a furry friend is good for you. In fact, many hospitals have found that having animal-assisted therapy dogs on hand helps lower levels of pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients. And that’s from just a 15-minute visit with someone else’s pup! Here are a few more ways fur babies can boost your health.

They get you out of your seat
Daily walks help people with dogs get more exercise, which reduces blood pressure and overall stress. You can get the same effect with cats, too. Just dangle a toy for them to bat about, or follow them as they chase a toy into the next room.

They ease you into  the calm zone
Stroking a pet’s fur releases a host of feel-good hormones that help you relax, including serotonin, oxytocin, and a hormone that has the same effect as chocolate. “Petting an animal often lowers blood pressure because it’s so nurturing and soothing,” says licensed psychologist Wyatt Fisher.

They help you break out of your shell
In addition to being your best friend, your pet can help you make human connections, too. “A dog widens our social circles and deepens our connections with others,” explains pet expert Russell Hartstein. At dog parks, vet clinics, and pet-supply stores, pets are instant conversation starters.

They give you a reason to get up in the morning
Pets can also help boost our spirits when we’re feeling low. One big reason: Pets require you to do things like feed them, change their litterbox, and walk them, says Lisa Bahar, a licensed marriage and family therapist. They help us feel needed and loved unconditionally. 

LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS

Having allergies or certain health conditions doesn’t have to keep you from owning a pet. In fact, in one study, dog-owning people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) got 18 more minutes of exercise per day than those who didn’t own a pup, improving their overall health. Keep allergies to a minimum with these easy tips:

• All animals give off microscopic proteins and skin flakes that can trigger allergies, but the amount varies. Before committing to a pet, ask the adoption group if you can foster it for a few weeks.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms and off the furniture and carpets.
• Bathe your pet once a week.
• Keep your furry friend away from your face, and wash your hands with soap and water after contact.