Motivational Connection

Animals lovers.  We all know those people that are crazy about their cat or dog, or both!  I am one of those crazy dog lovers. I have my two Shih Tzu's, Bella and Sienna that bring me great joy. Have you ever noticed when you feel sad or injured how your pet stays right by your side?  Is this becasue of the trust and bond between human and pet or is it something else? We know pets bring us great satisfaction, but pets do a lot more for us than we realize. Life can be busy and stressful. With stress comes anxiety and depression.  Pets can help. 

Acording to doctors Robinson and Segal, dogs can ease loneliness, ecourage his or her owner to be playful which then increase exercise activity. Dogs can reduce depression, stress, and anxiety.  Dogs also have been linked through research to improve cardiovascular health (Robison & Segal, 2016). 

The human-animal bond is facinating and more resent studies are proving this. 

Studies have found:

• The American Heart Association has linked the ownership of pets, especially dogs, with a reduced risk for heart disease and greater longevity.

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

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

• Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.

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

• Heart attack patients with dogs survive longer than those without.

• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets (Helpguide.org, 2016).

These are all positive researched based facts on the health benefits that our pets give to us.  Pets are good for us, good for our soul, and good for our health.  If your feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling that anxiety kick in, grab your pet and give them a love. They will love you for it and you never know, they just may be saving your life.