Thanksgiving is almost here! It’s important to take time to appreciate the good things in our lives. Our four-legged friends definitely fall under that umbrella! A local Rancho Santa Fe, CA vet lists a few reasons to be grateful for pets in this article.
Laughter
For many of us, having a pet is like having a furry, four-legged live-in entertainer. Our feline pals are comedic stars, who just keep us laughing with their silly antics and expressions. Fido is also pretty funny, especially if he’s hard at play or just super happy about, well, anything. As the old saying says, laughter is the best medicine.
Cuddles
Fido and Fluffy make wonderful cuddle buddies. When we snuggle up with our furry pals, a hormone called oxytocin–also called the Cuddle Hormone—is released in both you and your pet. This same hormone is also released in nursing mothers and children. It’s associated with feelings of happiness, comfort, love, and safety.
Health Benefits
Did you know that animals are good for us? People with pets have lower risks of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Plus, people with dogs tend to be thinner than pup-less folks, likely because all of those walks add up. Our fuzzy buddies can also be very helpful for those who are battling with trauma, anxiety, or depression. In fact, studies have shown that pets possess a remarkable level of intelligence, as discussed in the article ‘Doggy Brainpower: How Smart Is Fido?‘.
Protection
Our four-legged buddies have gone above and beyond to protect their humans, even risking their lives. For instance, one kitty chased off an intruding bear, while another saved its human buddy from a dog attack. And dogs have alerted their humans to fires, and protected them from intruders and other hazards, and even gone to fetch help in emergencies.
Unconditional Love
Pets are incredibly loyal and loving, and they stay with us no matter what life tosses our way. Even on the worst days, Fido and Fluffy will be there to cheer you up with cuddles and love. That’s something that is not only precious, but also quite rare.
Teachers
We can learn a lot from our furry companions! They teach us a lot about friendship, love, and empathy. They’re also great at reminding us to enjoy life’s smaller gifts, and to remember to slow down and smell the roses.
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving from our pet clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, CA! As part of our commitment to your pet’s health, we offer a wide range of ‘Veterinary Diagnostics’ services to ensure the best care for your furry friends. We’re here to help you ensure your furry friends stay healthy and happy during the holiday season and beyond. Please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime with any questions or concerns you may have about your pet’s health and well-being.
