Healthy Pets make Healthy People

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.There are significant benefits to owning a pet. Pet ownership provides companionship and dogs in particular are great conversation-starters, introducing owners to one another and providing common ground for conversation.

Motivating you to take up and maintain a regular exercise routine is just one of the health benefits that pets, specifically dogs, bring to Aussie pet owners.

Pet ownership has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing pet owners' risk of cardiovascular disease. If you have a friend with feathers, fur or fins in your life, you will have to visit the doctor less often than the average Australian and you'll need to use fewer medications.

Children who grow up with pets during infancy have stronger immune systems and reduced incidence of asthma-related allergies and are less likely to miss school through illness.

And research has shown that teenagers who own pets are more positive about life, less lonely, restless and bored. In fact, pet owners in general are less likely to suffer from depression and appear to cope with grief better than non-pet owners.

Studies even suggest that simply looking at animals, for example watching fish swimming around a tank, can reduce anxiety and induce relaxation in stressful times.

It is, however, important to consider your circumstances and do some careful research before acquiring a pet. Perhaps consider pet adoption to help stem the tide of 250,000 'unwanted' dogs in Australia each year.

[GregnDee]

I sure agree with that! Just had some tests and I'm healthier than I've been for ages - walk the dogs almost every morning - about 4 kms most days, and lots of cuddles of course.
Cheers
Dee xx

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Come on Dee tell us all what you have been up too all this time you have been quiet x

[Greynomad]

If you have a friend with feathers, fur or fins in your life, you will have to visit the doctor less often than the average Australian and you'll need to use fewer medications.

HMMMmmm...
Didn't work that way for me, Dottie!
Owned dogs as a kid, then adopted a lost Bluey (called him 'Phredde'! ) when 18 & working up-country NSW. When I moved to Melb then met SWMBO I joined a family of 3 (2 furry persons)! Had hounds ever since.
So that's my 'aminal' history...
Now the bad news:
In 1994 I was diagnosed with cancer.

So for the past 22 years I have not exactly conformed to your 'fewer visits to the Dr' and 'fewer medications' theory.

However, I agree that blood pressure gains & relaxation is a desirable byproduct... even when they're exasperating, they're fun.

[mottleemob]

I don't know about less visits to the doctor but if I come home from work with the shites they soon disappear when I see my little fur ball
cheers Phil

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But Ray remember you were not supposed to be here going by the medics so the fur babies have done their bit

[Greynomad]

OK Dottie,
Ya got me on that one...

Furry Persons... in full "Guard Dog" alert!

Guard Dogs.jpg