How animals could help provide health benefits

A lot of people grow up around a pet, whether they have one of their own or someone they know does. Many people are first introduced to animals as children. What children are too young to understand is that pets can help contribute to a less stressful life along with other potential health benefits. Research has found that animals can improve your mood, provide both physical and mental benefits and be service and therapy animals to people who need them.

Owning a pet or interacting with pets has become more popular as universities and other institutions have started to bring therapy dogs onto campuses to help students destress around exam season. As Johns Hopkins Medicine found, “the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.” Having a space where someone can take a break from everything going on in their lives can provide them with a way to destress and be happy.

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