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Weekly Wellness Tips – Pets

04/13/2022

By Alison Wilder

Our furry, feathered, and scaled friends can help us live happier and healthier lives. We take care of our pets and they do the same for us in return.

Here are a couple of ways how our pets make our lives even better…

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Stay in Shape

While dog owners may be holding the leash their dogs are the ones who decide when they need to “go,” and for some breeds, that may be often. As a result, dog owners are more likely to reach their fitness goals since they’ve already got a routine built into their schedule. 

Walks aren’t the only activity that keeps pet owners healthy.

Keep Your Heart Healthy

Studies have shown that interaction with pets (from petting a cat to watching a goldfish) can decrease blood pressure. What’s more, that extra exercise you get with certain pets helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Relieve Your Allergies

Studies suggest that children who grow up with multiple animals at home during their first year of life are less likely to have allergies and wheezing.

However, this protective effect is stronger for those who own pet dogs than cats, and for children who are with those animals daily rather than only visiting occasionally.

Form & Maintain Connections

One study showed that those who owned dogs were more likely to say they were socially connected in their community and know their neighbors than those without dogs.

A pet dog gives you a reason to get out of the house, is a great conversation starter, and provides ways to bond with other people.