Pets With Benefits

Have you ever noticed that you tend to feel better when you are around your pet? You are not alone.

Recent studies show that nearly 50 percent of Americans find stress relief from their pets. Whether you own a dog, a cat or a lizard, pets offer companionship that can be greatly beneficial for your physical and mental health. Here are some of the many ways pets can help improve your overall quality of life.

Improved Health

Pets keep you healthy. Pets, especially dogs, can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because dog owners tend to walk much more than non-owners. Regular exercise is not only good for your animals, but also often leads to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and stress levels in humans.

Moreover, studies show that people who own pets are 54-percent more likely to meet federal exercise guidelines than those who don’t own pets. Even playing with your cat or hamster can lead to an overall increase in physical activity. However, since some pets require much more or much less exercise than others, the amount of physical activity you engage in with your pet can vary.

Strengthened Immunity

In addition, pets can lessen allergies and strengthen your body’s immunity. Children who grow up in homes with animals are shown to be less likely to develop some common allergies including grass, dust, ragweed and pet allergies. Some studies also suggest the people who grow up in homes with furry pets are at a lower risk for asthma than their non-pet owning counterparts.

Increased Happiness

Pets make you happier. Research shows that pet owners are typically happier than non-owners. This is because just being around your pet can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters that are associated with happy feelings.

In addition, gently petting your four-legged friend can reduce stress levels in both you and your pet. This petting action tends to release oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone associated with emotional bonding and relaxation. In fact, the simple act of petting an animal has been found to lower blood pressure as well.

Playing and spending time with your pet also reduces your body’s levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol helps regulate what you might know as your fight-or-flight response. Chronically high levels of cortisol can cause excessive weight gain, sleep problems, blood sugar abnormalities and more. Spending regular face time with your animal can lower your cortisol levels by 10-20 points and leave you feeling much happier and healthier overall.

If you have any questions about how you can return the favor and better care for your furry friend, contact us today.

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  • "I began working for Dr. Kaiser at the Animal Clinic of Mandarin over 3 years ago. I decided
    to get a new Lab mix puppy and made the decision to enroll Zuri in Trupanion. I made this
    decision after hearing other employees and Dr. Kaiser talking about how great it has been for
    their own pets and our clients.
    Within the first 6 months my puppy Zuri’s knee kept coming out of place and she would stiffen
    up and could only walk on 3 legs. She had to have surgery and between working with Dr. Kaiser
    and the specialist I couldn’t have been happier that I was able to take care of Zuri and give her
    the treatment that was needed at such a young age. I now have no worries as she grows older
    that I won’t be able to take care of her financially. I recently added a new 1 year old rescue Great
    Dane, Zane to our family. He also has Trupanion because I can’t imagine the cost if something
    happens to him being such a large dog."
    Melissa P.
  • "Dr. Kaiser and staff are awesome. Great customer service. They deal with the pet insurance company directly for you so you don't have to pay what is covered directly out of pocket. They have gone above and beyond to help our fur baby. Super clean! We love to see Harry (the beautiful St. Bernard) growing up as well!"
    Nicole P.
  • "I called and was able to get an appt the same day. The office was very clean and customer service was very exceptional. Dr. Kaiser took her time to go explain everything and get a thorough history. Sick call exam and consultation came up to $51.75. She also offered a deal on pet insurance. Overall we had a very good experience."
    Charlene H.