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10 scientific benefits of having a pet dog

10 scientific benefits of having a pet dog

People who have never owned a pet may find it difficult to understand why some pet owners become attached to  their pets . However, those who’ve raised a pet see them as a  member of the family . It is only natural for humans and pets to rely on each other for mental and emotional support. While dogs are the most popular pets, cats and fish are the second and third most popular choices.

Is having a pet overrated?
Pets are often a topic of debate, with some people speaking about them with disdain while others claim they prefer pets to children. There is no definitive answer when it comes to the benefits of having pets. Despite the personal nature of these views, there is a strong connection between humans and their pet animals. Scientific research has shown that pets, especially dogs, can benefit their owners significantly.

Benefits of having dogs as pets
Many veterinarians and pet lovers have conducted extensive research to establish the many quantifiable advantages humans derive from dogs. The research aimed to establish the correlation between owning a dog as a pet and its impact on a human’s physical, mental, and emotional health. This research has reduced the skepticism towards pets and made people more accepting of having dogs as pets to a great extent. Here are some of the indisputable science-based benefits of having dogs as pets:

Improvement in hypertension
Having a dog as a pet can directly improve one’s basic health parameters and vital statistics. When a person interacts with a dog, takes care of it, and looks at them, their body suddenly produces oxytocin – a hormone that urges one to feel positive emotion. While oxytocin is connected with trust and bonding between a child and a parent, it can also lower blood pressure.

Reduces stress
Cortisol is one of the many hormones that cause stress in humans. Hugging or petting a dog reduces cortisol levels in the body, which reduces stress and helps dog owners/parents relax.

Becomes physically active
Taking care of a dog requires careful planning and consistent effort. Dogs need to stay active to maintain good health and alertness. Hence, a responsible dog owner must take them for regular walks, play with them, and ensure they get enough exercise. In this process, the pet parent also stays active.

Ability to sense symptoms of diseases and alert owners of impending danger
For many years, it has been widely recognized that dogs  possess the ability to  detect when their owners are about to have seizures  and alert them .  However, recent research has revealed that dogs can also use their intuition and sense of smell to identify potential health issues in their owners. Some of the conditions that dogs (including medical service dogs) can identify in advance include:

  • Migraines
  • Narcolepsy
  • Seizures
  • Anxiety attacks
  • Low blood sugar

Dogs have the ability to sense when their owner may experience a narcolepsy attack. In such situations, dogs have been known to start barking at their owner or licking them. They may also constantly nudge or refuse to leave their side. Some dogs may even stand  in order to  prevent their owner from falling.

Improves feelings of ownership and responsibility
A responsible pet parent cannot bear to see their dog neglected, ungroomed, or unfed. A dog can communicate its sadness to its owner, making it almost impossible for a pet parent to ignore. Most dog owners love their dogs unconditionally, directly making them responsible for their health and well-being. Dog parents are usually meticulous about vaccinations, vet visits, and grooming appointments. These are visible and science-based proof that dogs can help make humans more responsible.

Develops immunity to allergies
Pet hair and dander are major household allergens. Children who grow up with pets from infancy are more likely to develop an immunity to allergies and recover from them quickly  compared to  those who grow up without pets.

Reduces anxiety
Anyone who has had a hard day  will usually look  forward to reaching  jome  and spending time with their dogs. It is known to be a great stress buster and can help alleviate anxiety.  This  can lead to feeling more confident and assured.

Improves mood
Dogs respond to their owners with excitement and affection, jumping around them and not settling until they play and cuddle them. They lick them, fall over them, and wag their tails. Their happiness is contagious, and the feelings are transmitted to the owner, immediately improving their mood.

Eliminates loneliness
Loneliness has become a growing problem in many homes and communities. However, having a dog can become a loving companion. Dogs are known for their playful nature and the tendency to follow their owners around the house, constantly seeking affection and attention. Caring for them can provide a sense of companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness  in the process . Many people find themselves talking to their pets as if they were talking to another person, which is a healthy way to communicate and can improve their mental health.

Provides unconditional support
Dogs are extremely sensitive and can gauge their owner’s mood almost perfectly. If their parents are happy, they will jump and play along with them. If they sense that their owners want some alone time or peace, they will settle quietly at a comfortable distance and wait for them to call. Unconditional support without having to answer too many questions is one of the important benefits of having a dog as a pet.

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Key things to know about macular degeneration

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Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely. The result could be an imbalance in oxygen supply to both sides of the body and possible damage to blood vessels in the head (for example, inflammation). Symptoms of nasal polyps In most cases, nasal polyps are painless and cause no symptoms. However, some people with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms: Congestion or stuffiness A runny nose Loss of smell Loss of taste Pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, and teeth Facial pain or headache Snoring Need to clear the throat frequently Frequent bleeding of the nose When to see a doctor?

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin. What causes eczema skin disease? The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.

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How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

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11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques. Noting down your triggers One must identify what’s upsetting them to address the underlying cause of their anxiety. One can achieve it by setting aside time to assess your emotions and thoughts. Journaling is a fantastic method to connect with your anxiety triggers. Keep a diary or notepad beside your bed if your anxiety-related thoughts keep you awake at night. You can note down all the issues troubling you. Another technique to identify and understand your nervous feelings is speaking with a friend. Consider the things you can change Worrying about things or incidents that are yet to occur or might never occur can often lead to anxiety.

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10 best laundry detergents and their features

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