Do dogs provide health benefits? Believe it or not they do!

[jhansiii]

Do dogs provide health benefits? Believe it or not they do!

It has been proven that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-dog owners. These factors, in turn, reduce the chance of cardiovascular diseases.

In fact, just stroking a pet has long been known to reduce blood pressure. Furthermore, a study from the New York State University concluded that these benefits continue even without the pet being present!

 

[Mcpie]

Agreed. I used to be a go getter at work and now I just watch the clock tick until I get to go home and play with my
puppy. Until I get fired-- my blood pressure has been at an all time low.

Honestly though, short of the health benefits of stroking a dog, I think the forced activeness also does a whole lot
of good. I'm outside a good 3 hours plus a day now, whereas before the dog, I'd have been lucky to be outside for
more than 20 minutes.