Living with puppies is mutually beneficial for you and your four legged companion because you make each other happy, but you might not know there are health benefits of living with puppies. Several studies prove what puppy lovers already know, they’re great for us!
Puppies Reduce Stress
Puppies can be highly beneficial during stressful times. Numbers show that dog owners get sick less frequently and tend to recover more quickly than those without animal companions. Infants and children who grow up with puppies and kitties become more immune to pet allergies than those who haven’t had that exposure.
Your puppy doesn’t even have to be present for this “pet effect” to work. It’s simply enough to know he’s waiting at home. Petting and stroking any friendly dog can lower blood pressure, so if you’re pet-less, you might try volunteer work at the shelter or get your fur fix at a neighbor’s home. Petting is especially effective, though, when it’s your own furry friend.
According to a Japanese study, pet owners made 30% fewer visits to doctors than those who were living without a pet. Another survey by British researcher Dr. James Serpell showed it that only one month after getting a dog or a cat, senior citizens had 50 percent fewer minor medical problems such as painful joints, hay fever, insomnia, constipation, anxiety, indigestion, colds and flu, general tiredness, palpitations or breathlessness, back pain, and headaches.
Puppies can also relieve pain and anxiety. Positron emission tomography (PET scan) is an imaging test that helps physicians to detect biochemical changes used to diagnose and monitor various health conditions. These tests show that touching a pet shuts down the pain-processing centers of the brain. Petting your puppy relieves your own pain and also buffers anxiety, all without the side effects of Valium. In other words, a puppy on your lap can ease your pain. This is the number one reason why service dogs exist. Army vets that have experienced war shock typically opt to own a dog, the same goes for people who are recovering from severe illness or depression.
Of course, if your puppy is a juvenile delinquent pooch that needs more training, he may raise your blood pressure by chewing illegal targets or having potty accidents in the house. But all the aggravation is worth it. Never discount how this pet effect impacts you and your puppy. Consider getting a puppy to be a furry prescription, and you’ll both qualify for the health benefits.
