Once again we are please to feature a brand new article written by Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet. Jessica has written this article exclusively for loyalpitbulllove.com and we are very grateful,

Today's article focuses on the human-animal bond and the health benefits that come from having a pet.

We hope you will enjoy this wonderful article.

Mutts, Mental Health, and the Positive Connection

(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
 
Most pet owners will tell you definitively that the love and compassion that their pet shows them has gotten them through many a bad day.  Many studies have shown the positive relationship between caring for an animal and improved mental and emotional health, not to mention how cute they can be.  If you’re thinking about getting a dog or cat to help with your mental health, read on to find out exactly why you should get that cutie from the shelter today!
 
Sparky and Stress
 
Studies have shown time and again that pets help to relieve levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in pet owners.  Owning a pet can increase cardiovascular healthy by helping to get owners outside on walks. This can also help lonely owners to interact with other pet owners, reducing their feelings of isolation. 
 
Studies have shown that interacting with a friendly and familiar dog reduces levels of muscular tension, blood pressure, and heart rate, all signs of reduced stress.  These psychological effects are also more quickly seen than using any kind of medicine for the same conditions.  Stress-related disorders are one of the main causes of death in American society, so it makes sense to go pick yourself up that pooch!
 
Major Mental Disorders Helped by Mutts
 
With even the most serious of mental disorders, such as forms of psychosis, pets can serve as a distraction from the pain of a disorder.  Pets can give people a sense of structure and pride in their lives that they might not have elsewhere.  Getting up to feed, groom, and walk their animals has shown to help with all kinds of mental issues, and this allows the patients to find positive interactions in their daily lives. Those with serious mental disorders can find themselves on opposite sides of a chasm from other people in society.  Pets bridge this gap because they have no need to understand what you’re going through. They love you unconditionally, no matter how difficult your day is.  Unconditional love is one of the main benefits of having an animal of any sort.
 
Animals and Addiction Recovery
 
Substance abuse is a major issue facing America these days, and therapy animals have actually been shown to help with recovery and avoiding relapse.  Canine therapy can show improvement in patients’ psychotherapy sessions, allowing them to open up and discuss their feelings and triggers more readily.  Animals can also help recovering addicts get out and get regular exercise, which is highly recommended by most practitioners as a way to help with their recovery. Those who have issues trusting peers can also benefit greatly from equine therapy, where threats, intimidation, or bargaining will get you nowhere.  It allows those in recovery to create new ways of interacting with people and their environments, and creates a more positive self-image. 
 
Whether the animal is fuzzy and cuddly, or even a goldfish, the data say that taking care of any kind of animal helps to decrease feelings of loneliness and depression, as well as anxiety.  Children with autism that have a classroom pet have been reported to be more social and have more positive experiences in the classroom.  Seniors that were given crickets to take care of showed less depression than the control group.  No matter what kind of animal tickles your fancy, the prevailing evidence is that you should adopt a new best friend today!  

​Once again we thank you Jessica for sharing this article with us. We look forward to more. 

Please be sure to check out Jessica's site for some great photos, fun contests and other interesting articles that any pet lover will enjoy.

Today we welcome Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet, a complete website for pet owners that, among many other things, is dedicated to promoting the adoption of shelter pets. Jessica states:

So today we are pleased to present Jessica's article dedicated to helping first-time pet owners.
​
Without further ado, we bring you Jessica's article: 

​Be a Successful First-Time Pet Owner by Choosing the Right Pet, Readying Yourself, and Adapting Your Home

​Photo Credit: JACLOU-DL, Pixabay
 
Falling in love with an animal and impulsively taking her home on the spot is tempting, but it’s not the most responsible thing to do. Being unprepared for pet ownership can lead to life with a pet that develops behavioral issues, and you may eventually have to give it up.
 
To ensure your pet is happy and healthy and that you are the best pet owner you can be, research the type of pet that you should get, what the pet will need, how to create a safe home for it, and how to help your it thrive in as many ways as possible.
 
Considerations to Make When Choosing a Pet
 
Research different types of pets and different breeds ahead of time. Do not make an impulse adoption based on the cuteness of the animal. You should learn everything you can about the pet beforehand, including its temperament, trainability, lifespan, and diet, as well as exercise, space, and grooming needs. It helps to make an informed decision. Some animals and breeds have traits that a new pet owner might not anticipate. For example, border collies and other herding breeds constantly need a job to do, and basenjis like to yodel.
 
Ensure you can handle the financial responsibility of being a pet owner. Different animals (and even different breeds) have varying annual costs. If you are even slightly uncertain about your ability to afford a pet over the next few years, then you should probably hold off on adopting one. If you were to fall on hard times, having a pet could make financial issues even worse and could lead to you surrendering your pet.
 
Readying Yourself and Adapting Your Home
 
Carefully pet-proof your house before bringing your pet home. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child,” suggests the Humane Society. Secure loose or hanging wires, and place medications, chemicals (like antifreeze and insecticides), and remote controls (which contain batteries) out of reach. Some plants, fertilizers, mulch, and wood shavings can be deadly. Avoid rawhide, toys with movable parts, and stuffed animals with plastic eyes. Clear the floor and lower shelves of buttons, coins, sewing needles, rubber bands, dental floss, and thread.
 
Research training techniques before getting a pet. With patience, time, and attention, nearly any pet can be trained, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits. And it helps to start early. Start as soon as you bring your pet home, especially if your pet is young. For example, puppies can learn to heel, come, stay, sit, and lay as young as 12 weeks of age. Also, avoid starting any bad habits, such as feeding your pet table food or allowing your pet to sleep in your bed.
 
Other Considerations
 
By exposing your pet to different people, experiences, and sounds, you are helping her to socialize, which can prevent behavioral issues from arising. On the flip side, your pet can help you socialize too, which is just one of the many health benefits of having a pet, especially a dog. You will also see improvements in your stress levels and mood. Dogs in particular provide a great way for you to exercise, since they need to be walked every day. Dog walking helps your dog by letting her use the bathroom, releasing built up energy, staying fit, and meeting new people and dogs. Remember that all pets need some form of exercise, and if you aren’t going to be able to exercise with your pup a few days a week due to your work schedule or other commitments, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker to help you fill in the gaps.
 
Picking the right animal and breed for your lifestyle – including your work hours, house size, and activity level – is important. You also need to carefully consider what is required of pet ownership, including the time commitment and the financial aspects. Making an informed decision about getting a pet and which pet to adopt, readying yourself for pet ownership, and adapting your home for a safe environment are all keys to happiness for you and your pet.
                                                                            *****
From all of us at loyalpitbulllove.com we thank you Jessica for this helpful and informative article.  Please be sure to check out  ourbestfriends.pet for some great resources, articles and contests that any pet owner or animal lover is sure to enjoy.