Page 10 - Let's Make Waves - September 2018

P Your Best Friend
E
T T
T

Corner
Has Four Legs

M by: Richard Henderson, D.V.M by: Richard Henderson, D.V.M
y best friend is always
happy to see me, gives me
unconditional love, pro-
tects my home and would
follow me to the end of
the earth. Would you like to meet him?
Well, he is at the other end of the leash!

Recent research has confirmed the amaz-
ing benefits of sharing your life with an animal. The responsibility of
ing benefits of sharing your life with an animal. The responsibility of
owning a pet makes us a more responsible caregiver, teaches us self-
owning a pet makes us a more responsible caregiver, teaches us self-
lessness and commitment. Pets make us stronger and better all
lessness and commitment. Pets make us stronger and better all-around
individuals.
individuals.
Dogs can also provide us an opportunity to be more involved socially
Dogs can also provide us an opportunity to be more involved socially child, be his or her playmate. Kids will learn valuable life qualities such
with other people. When out for a walk, strangers are much more likely as kindness, caregiving and how to treat all living things with respect.
with other people. When out for a walk, strangers are much more likely
to strike up a conversation when you have Fido by your side. For lone- The pet they grow up with will long be remembered as part of the fam-
to strike up a conversation when you have Fido by your side. For lone-
ly or socially disconnected individuals, this interaction may be one of ily.
the few ways to connect with the outside world. People are much more
open and chattier with a happy pooch by their side. Children with learning disabilities make fewer errors, have less anxiety
and show improvement in reading skills if a therapy dog was included
Pets make us get up and out of bed in the morning as we have the re- in the learning environment. Autistic children often make major devel-
sponsibility to care for a living creature that depends on us. In return, opmental strides when a pet is included in their therapy. Dogs improve
they form an unbreakable bond, understanding our emotions, many kids’ self-esteem. In addition, studies suggest children raised with pets
words and body language. They are always there for us emotionally. at an early age may have healthier immune systems and fewer allergies.
Bored? Get outside and play with your dog. Your brain will be reward- In my practice, I often hear from individuals who say they rescued
ed with increased levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are their pet, and in return their pet rescued them emotionally. Pet owner-
responsible for the feeling of tranquility. ship can be a powerful force.

Single? Looking to meet other singles? A cute dog will Appreciating and respecting other animals makes us better human be-
attract more attention from a potential mate than a ings. We should strive to make the lives of our pets and the creatures
fancy car or the latest styles of footwear! Let your dog that live around us the very best we
be the icebreaker to new friendships. can. In return, they will provide us
We are just beginning to understand the powers that with improved social interactions,
pets have on our health, our stress levels and the benefits to our chil-
pets have on our health, our stress levels and the benefits to our chil- health and self-esteem.
dren. Your next best friend may be waiting
dren.
Researchers have shown that owning a dog or cat can improve your
Researchers have shown that owning a dog or cat can improve your for you at your local animal shelter.
health. Some studies show that just stroking an animal can lower blood
health. Some studies show that just stroking an animal can lower blood
pressure and cholesterol levels. A therapy dog can have a positive ef-
fect on patients’ pain level, mood and measures of distress when recov-
ering from surgery or an illness.
Therapy dogs have been trained to perform amazing tasks for their
human including low blood sugar detection in diabetics, anticipating
seizures in epileptic individuals and assisting disabled individuals to live Richard D. Henderson, DVM
independently. Galveston Veterinary Clinic
2108 61st Street
The presence of an animal can have profound effects on our children Galveston, TX 77551
too. The family dog can teach children responsibility and for an only 409.356.9000

10 | Waves Magazine | September 2018 Issue