A member asked:

Please share an interesting fact about being healthy with pets.

24 doctors weighed in across 97 answers
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Case: Case scratch disease is caused by a bacteria called bartonella henselae.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cat: Cat scratch disease sx's: fever, headache, fatigue, v appetite ; swollen lymph nodes.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cat: Cat scratch disease can be transmitted to people through a cat's scratch or bite.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Case: Case scratch disease is more likely to be transmitted by a kitten then an adult cat.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cat: Any cat bite or scratch should be washed with warm water and soap to prevent cat scratch fever.

Answered 7/31/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cat: Cat scratch disease- symptoms may not appear for 1 week to 2 months after scratch or bite.

Answered 3/10/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cat: Cat scratch disease- when uncomplicated, symptoms usually last a month or less.

Answered 3/10/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Usually: Usually no treatment is needed for cat scratch disease antibiotics may be required in severe cases.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cat: Cat scratch disease is caused by a bacteria called bartonella henselae.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: fleas can carry serious pathogens (tape worm ; murine typhus).

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: fleas can carry a bacteria called yersinia pestis (plaque).

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: pets can bring fleas into your home.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: your pet's fleas can bite you.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: pulex irritans is the only flea species that lives on humans.

Answered 6/23/2018

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: most fleas from dogs are not transmitted to humans (except for pulex irritans).

Answered 5/5/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: a flea is hard, shiny, dark ; 1/8” longer. Bigger after feeding.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: flea larvae are 1/4” ; look like light colored worms with bristles.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: fleas can live ; breed in your house year round.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: never use pet flea products on your body.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: flea bites treatments for pets are different than treatments for humans.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: wash your flea bite with antiseptic soap.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water ; apply to your flea bite 5 to 6/day.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: dogs with fleas tend to scratch a lot.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: when washing a dog with fleas – fleas often run up your arms.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: kill fleas by placing them in water mixed w rubbing alcohol or ammonia.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: steam cleaners kill fleas, their eggs ; larva.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pets: Pets ; fleas: if your home is infested with fleas seriously consider hiring an exterminator.

Answered 3/12/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: make your bedroom a pet-free zone.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: learn to shut your bedroom door to keep pets out.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: if you have a pet allergy wash your hands after handling pet.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: avoidance is the safest strategy.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: have your pet regularly washed ; groomed by a professional.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: pets who live outdoors cause fewer sx's than those that live indoors.

Answered 3/10/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Having: Having a pet can help to control your blood pressure.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: it is rare to be allergic to animals that don't have fur.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: dogs ; cats that are referred to as “hypoallergenic” shed less than other breeds.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: dogs, cats, horses ; rodents are the most common source of pet allergies.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy = allergic reaction to protein in the pets' saliva, urine ; skin.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: cats cause more pet allergies than dogs.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: be aware that other people may carry pet dander on their clothing.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: dander is composed of dead cells ; proteins from urine, saliva ; skin.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: sneezing, runny nose ; itchy eyes can occur with mild allergy.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: pet allergies can cause asthmatic attacks.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: itchy skin, hives ; eczema can be caused by pet allergies.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: When a pet is re-homed, it may take up to 6 months to get rid of dander.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: weekly pet bathing can decrease allergens by 84% (ahs).

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Dogs: Dogs that bite: un-neutered males have the highest incidence.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Did: Did you know that many service animals are trained at home?

Answered 12/25/2017

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

On: On domestic airlines if size of service dog is prohibitive; it may not be able to fly in cabin.

Answered 4/23/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Check: Check your airline's policies (about traveling with service animals).

Answered 4/23/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Most: Most airlines require at least 1 week advanced notice to fly with a service animal.

Answered 4/23/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Therapy: Therapy dogs often provide comfort at nursing homes, hospitals or schools.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Service: Service animals are almost exclusively dogs (w exception of miniature horses).

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Emotional: Emotional support animals are not restricted by species (dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, etc).

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Emotional: Emotional support animal = miniature pig, monkey, snake, hedgehog, rat, mouse, bird, etc.

Answered 3/9/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

A: A service animal needs to be stable ; should not be a hazard to the public.

Answered 3/9/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Aggressive: Aggressive or unmanageable dogs are not appropriate as service animals.

Answered 3/9/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Service: Service animals can be used by people w panic attacks ; /or post traumatic stress disorder.

Answered 3/9/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Social: Social phobias ; separation anxiety are qualifying disabilities for use of service animals.

Answered 3/9/2014

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

People: People who are deaf or blind often make use of service animals.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Balance: Balance problems, dizziness ; physical weakness qualify as service animal disabilities.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

People: People with autism often respond well to service animals.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

People: People with age-related cognitive decline often benefit from service animals.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Service: Service animals often help people w asthma, diabetes, seizures ; other neurological problems.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Paralysis: Paralysis ; mobility problems are both qualifying disabilities for use of service animals.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: there aren't cat/dog breeds that are completely hypoallergenic.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: low-allergenic dogs: maltese, bichon frise ; chinese crested (akc).

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: long term exposure to pet birds ; droppings can lead to hypersensitivity.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: even hairless breeds of dogs ; cats may be allergenic.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Pet: Pet allergy facts: sx's may include chest tightness, difficulty breathing ; wheezing.

Answered 3/9/2014

4.4k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Pets can serve as therapy animals, and provide loving support.

Answered 3/31/2014

4.3k views

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

People: People with pets tend to live a healthier and fulfilled life.

Answered 3/30/2014

4.3k views

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Early: Early dog exposure in the home may lead to decrease risk of developing asthma in kids of that home.

Answered 3/31/2014

4.3k views

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Zoonoses: Zoonoses is an animal disease that is transmissible to humans.

Answered 3/31/2014

4.3k views

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Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Pregnant: Pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter to decrease chances of toxoplasmosis.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.3k views

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Dr. Sheila Calderon answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Walk your dog daily for both you and your dog. This increases your aerobic exercise for both of you.

Answered 7/24/2014

4.1k views

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Dr. Sue Ferranti answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Studies: Studies show that people who have pets live longer!!

Answered 7/21/2014

4k views

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Looking: Looking at the world through your dog's eyes will bring you closer to ground level.

Answered 6/13/2014

4k views

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You,and: You,and your pet will stay fit if you share playtime together.

Answered 6/14/2014

4k views

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Love: Love given to a pet is never refused.

Answered 6/14/2014

4k views

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No: No one can deny the joy of a wagging tail.

Answered 6/14/2014

4k views

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No: No excuses for skipping a walk when you have a dog.

Answered 9/29/2016

4k views

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Your: Your pet's healthy outlook: sleep when tired, eat when hungry, love when not doing the other two.

Answered 6/22/2014

4k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Central air filters can help a lot if you seem really bothered and must keep your friend indoors.

Answered 6/28/2014

3.9k views

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Dr. Neigatha Graney answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Dry pet foods may be contaminated with Salmonella. Do wash your hands after feeding your pet.

Answered 9/29/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Dog: Dog owners get more exercise than people who do not have a dog.

Answered 5/30/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

A: A # of studies found owning pets may help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

Answered 5/30/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Some: Some studies indicate having pets helps reduce cholesterol & triglyceride levels.

Answered 5/30/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Some: Some research indicates pet owners w' heart conditions R more likely 2 survive heart attacks.

Answered 5/30/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Studies: Studies have shown exposure 2 pet dander before age 1 helps prevent future allergies.

Answered 8/16/2017

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Early: Early exposure 2 cats reduces the development of allergies later in life.

Answered 5/30/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Taking: Taking your dog 2 the park or 4 a walk in Ur neighborhood helps U stay socially connected.

Answered 5/30/2016

3.9k views

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Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Having: Having pets leads 2 more active fulfilling social life which can lead 2 a longer happier life.

Answered 7/19/2014

3.9k views

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Ignore: Veterans with severe PTSD do very well emotionally when they have a pet to take care of.

Answered 5/17/2015

2.8k views

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Ignore: Enjoy companionship, exercise, and playtime with your pet that can help you reduce stress & anxiety.

Answered 8/31/2016

1.7k views

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Dr. Deborah McGregor answered

Specializes in Preventive Medicine

Ignore: Establish an eat-play-sleep routine with them. They will remember for you when YOU need it most.

Answered 2/5/2016

1.7k views

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Ignore: Caring for a pet can contribute reduced stress and better sense of well being.

Answered 3/18/2020

92 views

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