| Petting Puppies Puts People in Positive Picture
The next time a dog comes bounding up to you for a wet, sloppy kiss and a good belly rub, dont back away. In an ongoing study, a University of Missouri-Columbia researcher has found that interacting and petting animals creates a hormonal response in humans that can help fight depression.
"Our preliminary results indicate that levels of serotonin, a hormone in humans that helps fight depression, rise dramatically after interaction with live animals, specifically dogs," said Rebecca Johnson, (University of Missouri-Columbia) professor of nursing and veterinary medicine, who presented these initial findings at the Companion Animals: Fountains of Health conference at Barcelona Autonomous University last month. "This hormone is critical in the psychological well-being of an individual. In addition, we have discovered that there is no substitute for the real thing."
In her study, Johnson, along with Richard Meadows, clinical associate professor of veterinary medicine, is asking dog owners and non-pet owners to play with a live animal or a robot dog for a few minutes at a time. Johnson draws blood from the human and the dog prior to and after the interaction and then compares the blood for hormone levels. People taking part in the study ranged in age from 19 to 73. Preliminary results indicate a significant increase in the levels of serotonin following interaction with the live dog, Johnson said.
"In addition to serotonin, we also are seeing increases in the amounts of prolactin and oxytocin, more of those `fenes," Johnson said. "Our research also is trying to determine what types of people would best benefit from being with animals. By showing this benefit, we can help pet-assisted therapy become a medically accepted intervention that might be prescribed to patients."Preliminary results indicate that levels of serotonin, a hormone in humans that helps fight depression, rise dramatically after interaction with live animals, specifically dogs," said Rebecca Johnson, MU professor of nursing and veterinary medicine, who presented these initial findings at the Companion Animals: Fountains of Health conference at Barcelona Autonomous University last month. "This hormone is critical in the psychological well-being of an individual. In addition, we have discovered that there is no substitute for the real thing."
Overcoming Pet Obesity
Is your pet portly? Is your cat fat? According to a recently publicized study, about 25 percent of pets in the Westernized world are overweight, and Kansas State University veterinarian Dr. Susan Nelson, assistant professor at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, wants pet owners to be aware that obesity among pets is becoming more and more common.
Just like humans, pets have become lazy over time, she said; they don't get adequate exercise and they overeat. This is partly due to the pet owner's routine and lack of motivation to keep their pet lean. But a major problem is the pet foods on the market these days, Nelson said. While the food is quite tasty and extremely palatable, it is also calorie-packed.
"Pets tend to gobble these foods right up," Nelson said. "It might taste good, and be nutritious, but the extra calories are not good for them."
Nelson said many pet owners do free-choice feeding, rather than following the proper guidelines according to the pet's size and weight. She advises pet owners to feed the correct amount for their pet's ideal weight. She also says to watch for the "light" foods because they are not always truly "light."
"Some of the pet foods are fairly liberal with their recommended feeding amounts," Nelson said. "If problems arise with a pet's weight, the owner should see their vet."
Nelson doesn't see the tendency toward obesity lessoning in the future despite the introduction of several weight-reducing diets, such as Hills MD (an Atkins-type diet for cats). She said another contribution to obesity is that pet owners give their pet treats too often.
"Everybody likes to give their pet a treat. It feels good," she said. "It is important to restrict the amount of treats, though, and maybe give them vegetables instead, or split a treat in half."
Another common problem leading to obesity is lack of exercise. Nelson sees more indoor pets that are obese than outdoor pets. She said some pet owners think that since they have a backyard, their pet is getting exercise, but that's not usually the case. It is good to play fetch, take walks once or twice a day and provide several toys for the pet to occupy time with. Nelson said too many fatty foods and not enough exercise would no doubt cause obesity problems.
"I can't overemphasize the importance of exercise. The pet cannot stay lean by a diet alone," Nelson said. "Plus, exercising benefits both the owner and the dog."
As animals get older they are often more prone to obesity due to medical reasons, such as low thyroid and Cushing's disease, Nelson said. Being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, skin fold diseases, pancreatitis and the worsening of arthritis symptoms. Nelson said it's important to look at your pet's body condition and watch for signs of obesity.
"The sooner you nip it in the bud, the better," she said. "Addressing the issue when they've gained only a couple of pounds is better than when they've become extremely obese."
K-State veterinarians say that you can't always tell by looking if your pet is too plump. But if you run your hands firmly along your pet's sides, you should be able to feel the ribs easily. If you can't -- especially on a cat -- the animal is probably overweight.
I'm Still Here
Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace! |
