People love and appreciate their pets on a number of different levels. Where one person might see a silly creature, someone else is likely to see an intelligent, beloved family member. Regardless of how much or little you were able to appreciate a friend or loved one’s pet, make sure to take them seriously if they’re -grieving the loss of a pet. Here’s why... Even if a friend or family member’s grief...
There’s nothing like curling up with a furry friend on a chilly night. But no matter how much we love our pets, there may be allergy problems that come with them. Fortunately, there are strategies to reduce pet allergies without giving up our four-legged family members. What Causes Allergies From Pets? - Allergies related to our pets commonly come from either their -saliva or the dander- that’s on...
Dogs not only give us companionship and love, the human-animal bond provides healthier lives and combats anxiety. Steven Feldman, the Executive Director of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), has researched the many benefits of owning a pet and has shown that -there are positive effects for those with depression and anxiety.- The evidence shows how the emotional and social well-being...
With noses far more sensitive than humans, dogs and cats have the potential to smell disease. In some cases, pets have even alerted their owners to the presence of serious health issues like cancer. It seems far-fetched but remember that dogs have been used to sniff out narcotics and explosives. And, it turns out, they've also been trained to detect viruses, cancer, bacteria and more. Both cats and...
Humans love their furry friends, and more than -9 out of 10 people- consider them family. When given the option to select one companion for a deserted island, more than 50% of U.S. adults say they would choose their pet. But of course, most pets have a much -shorter lifespan- than humans, so many of us will outlive our dearest companion. Because of this strong connection, it can be difficult to cope...
Animals can contract viral and bacterial illnesses just like humans. But do animals pass these on to their owners? There answer is -it depends. While animal illnesses like -heartworm or kennel cough- can’t be shared with humans, there certainly are conditions that can. Pets can share toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, salmonella, ringworm and rabies with their owners. These conditions range from mild and...
Animals have a way of bringing joy into our lives and making us smile, no matter your age. About half the households in the U.S. are pet owners because of this. The holiday season is the most popular time that pets are brought home as gifts. People are well-intentioned when they do this and need to remember it’s a big commitment and responsibility. Training, particularly for dogs, is important to bring...
With the colder weather really setting in for some of us, it’s time to review some tips for how to keep your pet safe and healthy this winter. Every animal has the right to shelter, food, water, and safety during these winter months. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe and snug while the weather gets cold outside! - Ensure Shelter Is Given - Many people choose to keep their animals indoors...
Pets...benefit or burden? Both, I guess, but does the advantage of having a pet and all that means outweigh the effort that it takes to make the relationship work? We baby boomers are getting older, no surprise there, but the surprise to many of us is that many of us are living alone. Huge changes. Perhaps loss of a spouse, financial constraints or health issues. A pet to share one’s life can create...
Wellness Tip:- Physicians and researchers from the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, have performed studies concerning the benefits of human/animal relationships. One study involved more than 400 participants who had a history of heart disease. One year after suffering a heart attack, canine owners had a higher survival rate. Research involving 240 couples determined that households...