How Pets Can Affect Mood And Health

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[size=4]Recent studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. It includes[/size]

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Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.

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People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.

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Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.

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Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.

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Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.

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Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

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A pet doesn't have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and pulse rate.

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Caring for a pet can help with those healthy lifestyle changes by:

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Increasing exercise: Exercise doesn't have to involve boring repetition at a gym. Taking a dog for a walk, riding a horse, or simply chasing a kitten around are fun ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule.

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Providing companionship: Isolation and loneliness can make disorders such as depression even worse. Caring for a living animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems. Most pet owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles.

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Helping meet new people: Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks or in a dog park. Pet owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.

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Reducing anxiety: The companionship of a dog can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world.

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Adding structure and routine to your day: Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. No matter your mood-depressed, anxious, or stressed-you'll always have to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for your pet.

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Providing sensory stress relief: Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. This could involve petting a cat or taking a dog for a walk.