How Pets Can Improve Your Health

Sources Medically Reviewed on 12/17/2020 Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on December 17, 2020
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(12) Vict?ria Pe?afiel / Flickr
(13) Yamada Taro / Riser
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SOURCES:
Allen, K. Psychosomatic Medicine, September/October 2002.
American Cancer Society: "Man’s Best Friend."
American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Forecast: "Could a Dog Save Your Life?"
Arthritis Foundation: "Rheumatoid Arthritis," "From Dino to Fido," "Learn to Stretch by Watching Your Pet."
Bassey, E. Age and Aging, 2001.
CDC: "Health Benefits of Pets," "Physical Activity and Health."
DogaDog.com.
Epilepsy Foundation: "Seizure Dogs."
Interactive Autism Network: "Dogs, Horses, and ASD: What Are Animal-Assisted Therapies?"
Johnson, R. Oncology Nursing Forum, March 2008.
LaFrance, C. Journal of Communication Disorder, May/June 2007.
Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association: "Benefits of Therapeutic Riding."
MentalHelp.Net: "A Doggone Good Therapist."
Merck Veterinary Manual: "Health Benefits of Pets for People."
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: "Cat Exposure Increases Asthma Risk for Children of Asthmatic Mothers."
National Stroke Association: "The Healing Power of Animals."
NIH News in Health: "Can Pets Help Keep You Healthy?"
Paws for Comfort.
Pet Partners.
PetEducation.com: "Assistance and Service Dogs," "Physical and Medical Health Benefits of Pets."
Princeton University, Research at Princeton: "Cancer collaboration could someday help dogs and their humans."
Psychology Today: "Pets & Kids With ADD."
Qureshi, A. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, January 2009.
University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine: "Hand & Paw."
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: "Infants Exposed to Dogs Less Likely to Develop Allergic Diseases."
Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on December 17, 2020
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE VETERINARY ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your pet’s health. Never ignore professional veterinary advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think your pet may have a veterinary emergency, immediately call your veterinarian.