Don’t you love your cat or dog? Or are you planning on getting one soon? Guess what… having a pet is not only fun but provides health benefits, too! Let’s look at 12 health benefits from cats and dogs.
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12 Health Benefits from Cats and Dogs
A few years ago when my family lived in China, we had a kitten (Jelly Bean) and a puppy (Hunter). They were both so sweet! Jelly Bean loved to eat flies then proceed to drink all of her water from her water dish. Hunter was a very energetic soul. He would jump all over us when he saw us and give us a million puppy kisses.
Most pet owners love having animal companionship, but did you know that having a pet is actually healthy for you? Not only do your pets care about you, but they are good for you and you are good for them. You took them in and gave them a loving, forever home, and now they can return the favor. Here I am going to tell you six health benefits from cats, then six health benefits from dogs.
6 Health Benefits from Cats
Cats are fuzzy, adorable creatures known for their independent personality. Aside from their cuteness and personality, cats have incredible health benefits that could help you for a lifetime! Here are some of the many benefits:
Cats Can Make You Happier
Being around cats can help you produce oxytocin, the hormone known for feelings of love and trust, making you feel happy. Even watching cat videos on YouTube help boost your oxytocin!
Cats Are Like Your Very Own Physical Therapists
That’s right! Cats are like your very own physical therapists for broken bones, muscles and tendons. Their purring vibrations, at a frequency of 20-140 HZ, can help with your injuries. Plus you get a good kitty snuggle!
Cats Help You Sleep Better
Many studies from the UK have discovered that people, but mainly women, sleep better with a cat in the bed. It has been confirmed that 41% of the people who sleep with cats get a better night’s sleep than those who don’t.
Cats Help Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Just looking at a cat can lower your risk for heart problems. Symptoms like a stroke or a heart attack are reduced by about 30% if you have owned a cat for at least 10 years.
Cats Help You Have More Free Time
Maybe they don’t help you actually have more free time, but they’re a lot less needy than dogs are. This results in more time to do more work, studying or doing something else that you enjoy instead of walking the dog.
Cats Help Reduce the Risk of Allergies
I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that having a cat won’t help with your allergies. The good news it that if you have kiddos, it can help them in the long run to not have any! Many people are allergic to cats, but having them around your children can reduce the risk of cat allergies, food allergies and seasonal allergies.
6 Health Benefits from Dogs
For thousands of years man’s best friend has been the dog. They are known for being loyal, compassionate, and energetic. Besides those three known facts about dogs, there are many health benefits from them as well!
Dogs Help to Reduce Doctor Visits
Some “studies have suggested that growing up with a dog in the house can decrease allergies and asthma in children, and (Dr. Tove Fall, DVM) says that pets may provide immune-boosting benefits for adults as well.”
As an additional benefit, due to the exercise you get while walking your dog, that helps boost your immunity, hence fewer doctor visits overall.
Dogs Help to Improve Your Chance of Making Friends
Researchers have found that about 40 percent of dog owners make friends more easily. According to one British study, dog owners speak with other dog owners or neighbors during walks.
Dogs Help to Reduce Stress
Having a dog can reduce blood pressure and anxiety. Having a dog can also help ease tensions between people. Who can’t use a little less stress in their lives?
Dogs Help You Get More Active
Health experts recommend getting 2 hours and 30 minutes, minimum, of exercise each week. Having a dog can help you reach that goal much easier than not having one. According to doghomepa.org, dog owners typically walk 300 minutes every week while non-dog owners walk about 168. They can also be good motivation for exercise because you are taking care of something else’s needs before your own.
Dogs Help With Heart Health
According to huffingtonpost.com, studies show that “having a canine companion is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels, which contribute to better overall cardiovascular health and fewer heart attacks.” This is amazing! Having a dog is good for our health in so many ways.
Overview
Cats and dogs help us in their own, unique ways. If you would like to know more about the health benefits from cats and dogs, you’re in luck! For cats, you can go here and if you want to know more about the health benefits from dogs go here.
You may also enjoy reading Essential Oils for Pets for dogs, cats and rodents. And there is also Essential Oils for Pets 2 for horses, birds and reptiles.
And if you’d like to learn more about CBD for dog and cats, you can have a look here. Holistapet uses organic ingredients, and their treats can help pets with skin irritations, allergies, pain, stress, and more.
And here are some really great pet supplies delivered straight to your door. Have a look!
Jelly Bean and Hunter were both so sweet on their own, but they didn’t really get along when they were together, so please consider that if you want to get both. The same might happen to you. Please remember that you can still get health benefits from cats and dogs, even if you only have one or the other.
Please comment below to share your pet story or what helped you understand the health benefits from cats and dogs! And don’t forget to share with a friend.