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Man’s best friends: Why owning a pet is good for you

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By Anita Tomasov

Five reasons why owning a pet is good for you!

1. Pets make us happier! Did you know that spending time with your pet can help reduce stress levels, combat depression and even reduce blood pressure? Studies have shown that petting an animal actually changes the balance of chemicals in your body, reducing the level of stress hormones and increasing the level of ‘feel- good’ hormones serotonin and dopamine.

2. As well as improving your emotional well-being, owning a pet can have a positive effect on your physical health too. Research suggests that children who grow up in houses with animals are less likely to get sick or develop allergies and that pet owners generally make fewer trips to the doctor.

3. Pets can help you get in shape. Dog owners lead the way here, with daily walks getting people up and out, and burning those calories. Those with energetic or very active pooches have even more of an opportunity to stay trim, and many dog owners find combining their dog’s exercise with their own gives them that extra level of motivation.

4. Pet owners are more likely to be socially engaged than non-pet owners. Whether it’s a simple wave to other people while out walking the dog, or the opportunity to strike up a friendly conversation about your pet’s funny antics, animals have a unique way of bringing people together.

5. Pets can help your marriage! According to research, husband and wife teams who both owned animals as a child are less likely to divorce than those who didn’t. The theory is that interaction with pets helps teach children empathy and makes them better able to read body language, both of which help with relationships later in life.


Contact Dr Anita Tomasov, owner and senior veterinary surgeon at Tung Chung Vet Centre on 2328 7282, or see Tung Chung Vet Centre on Facebook.


This article appears in The Best of Lantau 2017/ 18 annual guide. Read it online here or email [email protected] to request for your FREE copy.

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