Pets Good for Health in these Hard Times

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| Print | By | October 24, 2008 3:09 PM

While we’re fretting over finances, cost of gas, health care, elections and the economy, pets offer stress-busting advantages. Health insurance companies should give pet owners a cost break on premiums! After all, studies show that people with pets get sick less often, and recover more quickly than those without animal friends.

People with a dog or cat experience only half as much blood pressure increase when stressed. You don’t even have to touch them, but petting is especially effective, especially when it’s your own animals. Petting your cat or dog also relieves pain.

10-24 The Bond.jpg

PET scans show that touching a pet shuts down the pain-processing centers of the brain. In other words, a cat or dog on your lap can ease the pain in your ass-ets. Science can also measure the positive effects of the human/animal bond.

Our thoughts and attitudes are influenced by changes in brain chemicals. These chemicals prompt feelings of elation, safety, tranquility, happiness, satisfaction, even love. Blood tests that measure these chemicals reveal that the levels increase for people--AND for the pets!--when bonding takes place. There’s a reciprocal benefit to bonding with your fur-kid.

Treasure your pets, especially during these stressful times. They may be a “furry prescirption” you can afford, that offers untold mental and physical health benefits.

For more on the health benefits of owning a pet, check out the article How Pets Help you Live Longer.

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