Pets

The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets Pets come with some powerful health benefits. Here’s how caring for a dog, cat, or other animal can help relieve depression and anxiety, lower stress, and improve your heart health. The benefits of pets Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals. However, many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to a furry friend. It’s only recently that studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking ...

When we are sad, stressed, scared, or wondering how we can possibly deal with whatever life has thrown our way, animals have the ability to make us feel better. Why else would there be millions of cat videos on YouTube and not one, but four, “panda cams” in the United States alone? But while Grumpy Cat and Bao Bao can make us smile, our pets can actually have a positive effect on our health. Studies have shown that interacting with animals (even fish!) helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease depression. Scientists have also observed that interacting with animals increases levels of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin has a number of important effects on the body. It slows a person’s heart rate and breathing, reduces blood pressure, and inhibits the production of stress hormones. All of these changes help create a sense of calm and comfort. In an interview with National Public Radio, Rebecca Johnson, PhD, RN, FAAN, Director of the Research Center for Human-Anim...

Thousands of pets are euthanized every year because shelters simply do not have the capacity to look after them. Despite the many shelters nationwide, they struggle to re-home animals. But there is something we can do about it. Adopting an animal will not only give a pet a new lease on life, but also change the lives of those who decide to save one. Six Ways A Pet Can Change Your Life Forever Pets Save You Right Back. Maybe not in the Lassie kind of way, but in the emotional kind. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I can tell you first hand that my cat Sphinx is my personal therapist. While I strongly suggest going to a real doctor for help, animals seem to almost have healing powers when it comes to making you feel a little bit human again.The internet is full of viral videos and stories of pets who support their owners through Asperger’s attacks, breakdowns and depression. Sometimes just having someone there who can’t talk to you through words but who will be there for y...

  Thinking of adopting a dog or cat? It’s smart first to weigh the costs and benefits of owning a pet. We often get so excited about the prospect of having a pet that we forget the important factors to consider beforehand. If you are considering adding a new pet to your family, it could be helpful first to read over the following list of pros and cons of adopting a pet. 1. Con: More Living Expenses As a dependent, a pet will add to your living expenses. When getting a pet, there are the initial costs like a bed, a crate, grooming items, a collar, a leash, a litter box, a scratching post, and other miscellaneous things needed immediately upon adoption. Then there are recurring expenses, such as the cost of food, treats, and toys. Plus, don’t forget about the up-front adoption fees. It’s additionally important to factor in grooming costs. If you choose to do your pet’s grooming yourself, you will most likely need to purchase items such as a brush or comb, scissors, nail clippers...