In one study the blood of babies was analyzed immediately after birth and at one year. The study showed that if a dog lived in the home the children were less likely to have eczema and breathing difficulties such as asthma and that they had a higher immunity antibody factor present.
Dogs have been known to ease people out of social isolation or shyness. They are excellent conversation starters.
Alzheimer's patients have been shown to have fewer outbursts with a dog present in the home. Walking a dog and caring for it's daily needs is great exercise. Pet owners with AIDS suffer from much less depression. Blood pressure readings have been shown to decrease with a dog in the home also. Heart attack victims have been shown to survive longer with a canine friend present.
So, owning a dog is beneficial to your health whether you are an infant or elderly, sick or healthy.
What are you waiting for? You "best friend" is waiting for you today!
SOURCES: Gern J. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, February 2004; vol 113: pp 307-314. WebMD FEature: "Pet Doctor." WebMD FEature: "Everyday Playtime for Adults." Nadine Kaslow PhD, Porfessor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Univeristy, Atlants. Lynette Hart, PhD, Associate Professor, University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Blair Justice, PhD, Psychology Professor, University of Texas School of Public Health; author, "Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods, and Thoughts Affect Your Health."
