HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOGS

> regular walking can decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

> people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter => BP declined significantly within 5 months.

> alleviates stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression.

> petting a dog lowers BP, slows breathing, relaxes muscles, and reduces cortisol (stress hormone).

> sharing bacteria with your dog can prevent allergies and asthma, and strengthen your immune system.

> owners spend nearly 300 mins/week walking- that’s 200 mins more than people without dogs!

> staring into your dog’s eyes raises your level of oxytocin and boosts your mood.

> playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.

> heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.

> pet owners over age 65 make 30% fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.