People love their pets. Pets love their people. But did you know that owning a pet is also good for your health? Read on!
Here are 5 ways pets contribute to a happy, healthy lifestyle:
1. They Help Fight Allergies – WebMD.com says a growing number of studies suggest that children who grow up in a home with “furry” animals (cats, dogs, or large animals on a farm) are less at risk for developing allergies and asthma.
2. They’re Good for the Heart – Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies. Male pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners, researchers say. (WebMD.com)
3. They Relax You – The Huffington Post reports that the simple act of petting a pet has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rates in adults. Even being in the same room with pets can lower blood pressure and reduce stress in adults and children alike.
4. They Keep You in Shape – People who have pets, especially dogs, get more exercise than non-pet owners. While this may not come as a surprise to dog owners, owners of other types of pets are also more physically active than people who don't have pets. (HuffingtonPost.com)
5. They’re Great “Date Magnets” – Forget Internet matchmaking, says WebMD.com, a dog is the best way to start a conversation! This especially helps ease people out of social isolation or shyness.
Whether you’re looking for an active dog to be your running partner, or a purring cat to cuddle on your lap, adopting a pet is yet another way to lift your spirit and also save the life of an animal. When a pet is adopted from the Oahu SPCA, space becomes available for another homeless animal. When you adopt, you save the life of TWO pets. Now that’s something to feel good about, inside and out!
Sources: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joan-liebmannsmith-phd/6-health-benefits-of-owni_b_795430.html#s209468&title=They_Will_Make
Every dog at the shelter is of course looking for a forever home, but our seniors often wait longer than others... or find themselves becoming almost permanent residents at the Oahu SPCA. We believe that there is a perfect home out there for every animal, even the seniors, and it is just a matter of time before the right family comes along. To help facilitate this matchmaking we are offering a "Seniors for Sixty" special during the month of July.
There are several senior dogs at the shelter waiting to meet you today! Please ask our shelter staff to introduce you to some of our sensational seniors and ask what you can do to make their remaining years the best of their lives!
