Ways Pets Help Improve Your Health

Coming home from a busy day at work, you are greeted at the door by your furry pal waiting for you. A wagging tail and a happy look on their face is all it takes to make your hard day melt away. Having a pet provides you with love and unconditional acceptance not to mention they are always there for you. This bond helps drastically in mental health. Here are some other ways pets help improve your health.

1.     Reduced Pain. It has been shown that with chronic pain such as arthritis, migraines and other conditions that pets can be an affective medicine. A Loyola study found that patients that received therapy dog visits post joint replacement needed 50% less post-op pain medication compared to other patients.

2.     Lower Cholesterol/Triglycerides.  The American Heart Association notes dogs help their owners adopt a healthier lifestyle. Studies show dog owners engage in more walking and physical activity than non-dog owners.

3.     Lower Blood Pressure. Having a pet has shown to decrease and help keep blood pressure in check, especially with people who are at risk or diagnosed with high blood pressure.

4.     Stress Management. Thanks to their continual entertainment and loving ways pets provide a joyful mental break from whatever stresses may be beleaguering you.

5.     Depression Help. Along with medication in mild to moderate depression, those with a dog/cat seem to feel better. Their unconditional love helps with self-esteem along with positive focus provided by caring for them.

6.     Less Allergies. Recent studies have shown infants exposed to dogs have up to a 50% reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma.

Your pets are the heart and soul to your wellness. Through their unconditional love they help you enjoy and live a healthier life!