The Millstone Times December 2019

PET PAGES

Benefits of Growing Up with Dogs and Having Them as a Member of Your Family By, Lauren Kowlacki

1. Dogs help kids learn nurturing skills and develop a caring attitude toward others. 2. Evidence suggests that pets may help the development of non-verbal communication. 3. Studies indicate that children with pets have better social skills and higher self-esteem. 4. Research shows that family members interact more after bringing a dog into the household. 5. Dogs have daily therapeutic benefits in a family setting by helping children (and adults) with stress relief and unconditional love. 6. Compared to people without pets, pet parents have a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and fewer minor illnesses and complaints. 7. Dogs inspire people to get up off the couch and be more active, helping to make two-legged family members healthier and better exercised. 8. Relieves Stress. Animals, particularly dogs, are often used to help individuals manage high levels of stress. 9. Encourages Physical Activity and Being Outdoors. 10. Boosts Heart Health. Pets can also boost owner’s heart health. 11. Fights Allergies. Interestingly, pets can serve as a barrier against allergies. 12. Happiness and comfort that knows no bounds: A quick survey of videos on YouTube reveals countless videos of dogs cuddling babies to soothe them, kids laughing endlessly at their dog’s pranks, and family occasions in which the dog draws generations of people together. After watching those videos and thinking about everything that your dog means to you and your children, who could even begin to imagine life without a pooch? Everything about owning a dog seems to lend itself to better heart health. Just the act of petting a dog lowers heart rate and blood pressure. A 2017 Chinese study found a link between dog ownership and reduced risk of cor- onary artery disease, while other studies show pet owners have slightly lower cholesterol and are more likely to survive a heart attack.

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