Have you considered adopting a shelter dog month? It’s by far the kindest thing people can do for dogs, the health benefits we get in return are substantial! What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t
Pet therapy for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia has proven to be a powerful tool for improving the health and wellness of patients.  That’s why pets are more than part of a program at Silverado Memory Care Communities, they are a way of life.  Incorporating pets has proven to be successful, particularly in the evenings where patients can be confused or agitated (also known as “sundowning”)..   The benefits of having pets are clearly visible, including improved physical, mental, and emotional health — often decreasing the number of needed visits to the doctor.
Check out these top reasons that on-site pets fulfill Silverado’s mission of improving the quality of life for its residents.

1. Lowers Blood Pressure
   Studies show the high success rates of integrating pet therapy with hypertensive patients, particularly because of the strong emotional connection that reduces stress.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
   Studies have shown when you have a dog, you’re 40% less likely to have a cardiovascular incident, such as a stroke.
3. Lowers Anxiety
   Pets can greatly reduce levels of anxiety, which subsequently reduces chronic pain such as migraines or arthritis. Studies have shown that people who use pet therapy post surgery need significantly less pain medication than those who don’t.
4. Improves Social Skills
   Pet owners are generally more socially engaged than non–pet owners.  Owning a pet  often leads to an increase in social contact and encourages communication; after all, how can one resist stopping to pet a dog and chat for a few minutes?
5. Improve Immunity
   Having pets dramatically improves immunity and prevents allergies. A study found that households with pets call in sick fewer days out of the year than those without pets.  The more pets you have earlier in life, the fewer allergies you will develop — those who grew up on a farm, for example.
6. Reduces Risk of Depression
   There are many known mental and emotional benefits from having pets, as they’ve been used in various forms of therapy from post-traumatic stress disorder with veterans, or for patients with depression.  Dogs tend to reduce risk of depression, reduce loneliness, and decrease feelings of alienation, which also increases overall self-confidence.
7. Increases Physical Activity
   Playing with pets provides motivation to move more and exercise longer.  It also increases joint movement, increases motor skills, and improves recovery time.

   What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t

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http://www.pawsforpeople.org/who-we-are/benefits-of-pet-therapy/
http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2352/10-health-benefits-of-owning-a-pet-116238/