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*uno1uno
writes:Pet ownership is cited to have many benefits for humans. Owning a pet can help reduce stress, improve your emotional health and may even promote faster healing.What are the best ways to incorporate caring for a dog or cat as part of improving one's emotional health? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Scarlett Love  +, writes (16 November 2011):
I would also add that having a dog is fantastically rewarding BUT it can be incredibly hard work. It took two years of intensive training before our puppy calmed down (a border terrier), and don't forget the sleepless nights when they are puppies! I love my dog but it was a complete shock to the system. Undoubtedly, having a dog has been emotionally rewarding but it is not something to be taken lightly.
A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (16 November 2011):
 Adopt one from a shelter or rescue.
Dogs, well depending on the breed there are many things you can do with them, walk, agility, obedience and so forth.
Cats, require less physical "work" all they want is someone to pet them, feed them and offer them a lap.
Just make sure you can afford the shots/flea/tick/heart worm meds. Pet insurance is a good idea.
I think just being around pets helps. I have 3 cats - all rescues. At some point in time I would want to get a dog as well.
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A
female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (16 November 2011):
 I don't know of any "best ways", the way I see it there is really only one way to incorporate a dog or cat into your life: when you get one you need to take care of it.
If you don't have the opportunity to have a pet yourself, then there are other things to do. Such as walking the neighborhood dog, or watching a cat when the owners are away by feeding it and giving it water.
And petting of course. If there is an animal shelter nearby they often want volunteers to come and play and pet the animals.
Pet, touch, care for them, and give them the best you can. That's what is good for your mental health. Talk to them as well if you like, dogs and cats are good listeners.
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A
female
reader, Abella +, writes (16 November 2011):
 And touch is incredibly healing. A cat will seek you out and purr when contented. And all they want to give you is love.
A dog will muzzle in and be curious about you. And when d the dog will make you feel less alone, if that is a proble.
A dog teaches responsibilty. You need to treat a dog or a cat well to build the trust between the two. And that benefits both you and the dog or the cat.
And a well trained dog will behave nicely around little children and the elderly as if they sense the person's pain.
Brushing the dog's coat builds the reltionshup, and makes
the dog and the cat feel better.
A dog bounding towards you in the park, bringing back the stick you threw will lift your heart.
For attending obedience classes with the dog will put you in touch with nice people. You will make new friends. And your dog will benefit too.
Best wishes
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A
female
reader, Abella +, writes (16 November 2011):
Pets are really good for you for the following reasons:
A dog needs to be walked. This gets you out walking in the Park. You get sunshine. And invariably someome will stop to talk to you or admire the dog. Talking to others is good for you. You also need to visit the Vet for the inevitble occasional treatment. The vet will usually comment on a well looked after pet - dog or cat - and you will feel that "glow" when you get some praise for how well looked after is your dog or cat.
A dog or a cat needs to be fed and be given fresh water. You cannot just go back to bed and hide under the covers for a weekend.
Our cat once even saved us from a disaster, racing between rooms to jump up on our bodies until we all woke up. She alerted us before the smoke alarm even went off, pretty smart for a cat IMHO.
Your cat or your dog thrives on a variety of well balance food. Not too much. So while you are cutting up healthy food for your dog it reminds you that the family deserves as much care and consideration.
A dog or a cat is non-judgmental. A wonderful trait in men, women and children as well as dogs and cats.
Dogs will keep you fitter than a cat.
But both animals will often sense when you are not well. And often sit beside you. Emotionally that can be very comforting to the terminally ill. And the number of enlightened long term-stay hospital that choose to have a resident dog demonstrates that even Doctors agree that animals have a place in therapy.
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A
female
reader, Miamine +, writes (16 November 2011):
 Cats.. stroke them and talk to them.. Dogs.. take them for long walks... Feed animals daily, wash dog, when you take care of them make sure you also feed and care for yourself. Just watching animals move can help you be calm. They don't get stressed, they don't worry about money, they aren't into competition and don't have arguments with people. Animals just live.
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