3 Surprising Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

Here are some surprising perks of owning a pet I compiled. It helps to know that owning and taking care of pet dogs today can bring a couple of helpful health benefits to us pet owners. Check out these 3 surprising health benefits of owning a pet.

1. They help fight stress

People in stress mode get into a "state of dis-ease," in which harmful chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine can negatively affect the immune system, says Blair Justice, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health and author of Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods, and Thoughts Affect Your Health.

Studies show a link between these chemicals and plaque buildup in arteries, the red flag for heart disease, says Justice. Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine -- nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties, he tells WebMD.

How much is that doggie in the window?

Nope, I won't sell my precious Jewel....well, maybe if I can sell her as much as Big Splash which is said to be the world's most expensive dog :)

This sneaky pup just likes going to the window and stare at the outside world as if waiting for her Snoopy or Scooby Doo perhaps? Lol!  Jewel loves to spend time watching over the window most especially if she hears one of our notorious neighborhood cats, as if thinking 'Let's if you can get anywhere near the house.' But most often, she would just bend over the window and simply check out the happenings outdoor. Pictures here were taken in 3 different areas of our house.

Nearly 2 years after, she still loves hanging out bu the window. Waiting for Mr. Right? 

Petting the Japanese Spitz

Today I'll share with you how Jewel looks when I stroke her neck just under the jaw. It's her most favorite body part to pet. Just take at those twinkling eyes, geez, this dog's in heaven!

I remember the first few weeks she's with us, I couldn't pet her like this. I couldn't even let my hands near her mouth, scared since this Japanese Spitz bit me weeks after we adopted her. Surprisingly, in time, I ended up the one petting her the most. I couldn't help the calling of her sweet eyes and fluffy satiny fur - cutie!      

Silent Moments

Friends are more important than money - and men ^-^

Doggie Language

Here's a cool simple diagram illustrating our dog's body language means. Fellow dog owners, this post helps us understands our cute canine companions much better! If we can learn to interpret how our dog is feeling by observing its posture and expression and listening to it, we'll be well on the way to successful communication with our pet and better equipped to solve any behavior problems that arise. Oh, I love it when Jewel stretches out and greets me every morning. 

illustration from doggiedrawings.net