Spending some time petting or brushing your dog or cat is GREAT for your four-legged friend. The stroking helps stimulate circulation, ease sore or tired muscles, and best of all, lets your pet know that he is loved. A dose of petting helps you bond with your pet and help keeps his coat shiny and healthy. Hey, pets get stressed, too! Does your dog quake during a thunderstorm or get upset when you head out to work in the morning? Some special snuggle time helps your pets relax and feel good.
Cuddling with your best friend is good for YOU, too. Stroking your pet helps you calm down and lessen anxiety. The rhythmic petting and warmth of your pet’s body can lull feelings of nervousness and unease. Stress hormones can be very harmful to your body — especially your heart — and petting a dog or cat can help your body produce fewer of them. Stress hormones put a lot of pressure on your pulmonary arteries, so curling up with your pup or kitty can be a huge help to people with heart problems!
A study from the University of California found that as little as ten minutes of petting a dog or cat can help improve heart and lung function in patients with heart failure. Spending time with a furry friend was more beneficial than visits with friendly volunteers or time spent alone.
Don’t have a dog or cat? That doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the health benefits that come with a furry friend. Volunteering at your local shelter, if your health and schedule permits, will give you a chance to spend time with pets who are in serious need of some loving. Not only are you improving your own health, you are helping socialize a pet who is looking for a new forever home. You may even find your own new best friend!