Pets Information
Google
 

Petting a Dog is Good For Both of You


Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a person the following benefits:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Lower risk of heart disease
  • Improvement in chronic illnesses (such as Alzheimer's or AIDS)
  • Improvement in emotional condition -- easing of stress, sadness, and pain.
A lot of that is common knowledge. Pick up any book on pet ownership and it will tell you these things. But what about the dogs themselves?

Well, a recent study at the University of Missouri showed that after a round of petting, both the human and the dog had a 10% decrease in blood pressure.

For the dog, it didn't end there. Levels of cortisol, the hormone released by the body when it's under stress, decreased.

In another study (cited in the Vet Med Today journal), researchers explored this question directly. They found that when a dog gets frightened, their fear (as measured by their heart rate and blood pressure) would drop dramatically when a person petted them.

So pet your dog as much as possible... everyday... but especially when he or she is under stress (such as during 4th of July fireworks).

Watch out though. There are times when petting can be detrimental to your dog. This can be the case when it becomes unpleasant for them, like when you pet them too much.

Look for the following warning signs that the petting has become unpleasant for your dog (and when you see them, stop):
  • Growling.
  • Staring at you.
  • Wiggling away from you.
  • Starting to pant.
  • Yawning.
  • Rolling over.

As long as you don't see any of those warning signs, you and your dog will be okay.

On a daily basis, one of the best things you can do for your dog's health. So to sum up, make daily petting an action plan for you and your dog. Make time to pet your dog multiple times a day. Not only will it deepen the love between the two of you, but it also will ease your (and your dog's) stress and help your circulation.

John Bash maintains a new blog, Dog Health Care Information, updated often with information on natural dog health care from a well-researched, practical point of view.


MORE RESOURCES:

Obesity just as dangerous for pets as for humans
Vancouver Sun,  Canada - 3 hours ago
Just as with humans, obesity in pets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other health complications. ...
High-Tech Vet Medicine Saving Lives of Pets and People MarketWatch
all 5 news articles


Many reluctant to evacuate without pets
United Press International - 6 hours ago
8 (UPI) -- Forty-seven percent of US adults say they would refuse disaster rescue if it meant leaving without a family pet, American Humane Association ...
Group gets pets out for storm The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com
Nearly Half of Americans Won't Flee Without Fido MarketWatch
Evacuated dogs need new homes Detroit Free Press
VetPracticeNews.com - DetNews.com
all 16 news articles


New California Law Gives Pets the Care They Need When Owners Pass ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 4 hours ago
According to Antelope Valley estate planning law firm partner, Kevin L. Von Tungeln, California pet owners can now rely upon a new law to make sure their ...


Pets available
Press & Sun-Bulletin, NY - 4 hours ago
Look for pets available at Stray Haven Humane Society at www.stray.petfinder.com. * The Broome County Health Department and Front Street Dog Shelter ...
Shelters have great pets Press & Sun-Bulletin
all 2 news articles


Pets left behind in foreclosed homes
The Union of Grass Valley, CA - 3 hours ago
When a tough economy forced people to foreclose on their homes or downsize to smaller apartments, the pet population took a hit, said staff at the county's ...


Pets help train vets
Contra Costa Times, CA - 5 hours ago
Hill's Wellness Center, along with Western University's pet hospital, and the Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service mobile clinic, are all means of ...


TUNE IN TONIGHT: 'Wonder Pets!' goes Bollywood with prime-time ...
Reading Eagle, PA - 6 hours ago
Young viewers of "Wonder Pets!" are no strangers to big productions or musical influences from beyond their shores or before their time. ...


Today's Zaman

Pets weather Gustav well
Detroit Free Press, United States - Sep 4, 2008
Early reconnaissance by rescuers allowed into storm-damaged areas indicates the vast majority of pets were evacuated with their owners, and thousands of ...
Tropical storm and disaster preparedness for pets Tri Parish Times
Keeping Your Pets Safe Before, During & After The Storm Local10.com
Gustav Pet Evacuations Show Katrina Lessons Learned National Geographic
Cay Compass - USA Today
all 453 news articles


Pets Bring Owners to Veterans Park
KBTX, TX - 6 hours ago
Several hundred dogs brought their masters to the Responsible Dog Ownership Day. The event was free, and provided low cost vaccinations, micro-chipping, ...
Pooches take center stage on Saturday Marshall News Messenger
all 2 news articles


CBS4 Prompts Change In Keys Pet Evacuation Policy
CBS 4, FL - 15 hours ago
KEY WEST (CBS4.com) ― A mandatory evacuation order means it's not safe to stay at home, but many pet owners refuse to leave without their furry friends. ...
Monroe County residents can take pets to FIU shelter Sun-Sentinel.com
Monroe County mayor: 'Not enough' residents leaving Keys Sun-Sentinel.com
all 4 news articles

Pets - Google News

Français Español 日本語 [أربيك] Italiano Deutsch 汉语 漢語 Nederlands 한국어 PortРусско
Ελληνικά Swedish Indo Romanian Polish Norwegian Hindi Finnish Danish Czech Croatian Bulgarian English - Original language website translator

home | site map
Directory Seo Supreme
© 2006