Pet owners’ physical health boosted by furry friends

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Every pet owner knows their furry friend helps after a rough day, but pets may also have a lasting effect on their owners’ physical health.

On Monday, CHI Health posted a link on Facebook to a blog post on the health benefits of pets.

On average, dog owners walk 22 minutes longer per day than those who don’t have dogs, according to one study.

Experts also say dogs can help ease pain.

In one study, researchers compared how much pain medication post-surgery patients needed when they either did or did not spend time with a dog.

The patients who spent five to 15 minutes with a dog needed 28% less oral pain medication after their operation.

Also, cat owners are less likely to die of heart disease or heart attacks.

And after watching cat videos, viewers report fewer negative emotions like anxiety and annoyance.