Dogs help people live longer lives. I don’t just say that because I believe it, but statistics show that dogs helping people live longer lives. So now dog lovers and cat lovers, and pet lovers in general, when someone tells you pets are expensive (and yes, they can be, but so are a lot of things — like human babies) – you can tell them you’ve got the statistics to back it up.
According to Pets Add Life:
Pets Help to Reduce Stress. Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease and lower blood pressure. Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
Pets Help to Fight Depression. Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)
And check out this fun infographic. A picture says a thousand words… and pets save thousand (wait, millions) of lives. Who agrees? Can pets extend our life span?
* Infographic courtesy Bill Thomas, of couponaudit. Thanks for sharing this!
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