Health Benefits to People having Dogs as CompanionsAugust 17, 2003 |
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Our canine companions offer a number of health benefits to us. They inspire us to go out and walk, to be physically active and fit. It is very important nowadays when we need to shed some weight. They help us socialize and get to know each other in the community. Protection from Allergies and AsthmaOn the health front, in the studies carried out at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta it was found that "Exposure to 2 or more dogs and cats in the first year of life may reduce subsequent risk of allergic sensitization to multiple allergens during childhood" JAMA, August 28,2002 - Vol 288, No. 8, p.963. The finding was confirmed by studies at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville; that the exposure to domestic animals may prevent asthma and allergic sensitization. JAMA, August 28,2002 - Vol.288, No.8, p.1012. Having Dogs Off-Leash Helps both People and Dogs ExerciseAs pet owners attest it is not the same exercise for them and their pets if pets have to be leashed. We all have our tempo of moving and we the humans do not stop to sniff, later to run ahead. The demand for the trails "off leash" is so much greater now than ever before that we may even want to consider adding some more in the future. The Open Space Management has done commendable job regarding fencing off prairie dogs. There is a way to coexist with nature. So let’s not change the status quo. Sincerely, |