Kristen Levine Pet Living Stories, Science & Advice for Living Happier & Healthier with Pets
Chew on these ideas about how to make the special relationship with your dog even stronger.
Chew on these ideas about how to make the special relationship with your dog even stronger.
Dig this… a portion of this post is sponsored, but opinions are my own and 110% “pawthentic”! I am a firm believer that we need our pets as much as they need us. As a lifelong pet parent, I can’t imagine not sharing my life with one or more furry friends. And this isn’t only …
There’s something magical about the bond between children and animals. Here are five of my favorite reasons why every child should share their life with a pet!
You may not speak the same language, but there are still lots of ways to tell your dog how much you love him. Here are a few ways to say, “I love you” in language he’s sure to understand.
Running with your dog is a paw-some way for both of you to get in shape while spending some quality time together. Follow these tips to keep it fun and safe!
Humans are social creatures, but sometimes we have a hard time making the connections we need to feel happy and fulfilled. Believe it or not, your dog may be the best wingman you could ask for!
Like you, I love my pets THIS MUCH (read arms stretched wide). But loving our critters is more than giving kisses, hugs and tummy rubs. It’s also about doing right by them when it comes to their health, happiness and wellbeing.
On National Love Your Pet Day (February 20th), please “paws” to reflect on five ways to adore your pet even more.
Five Ways to Love Your Pet on National Love Your Pet DayRead More
Garth Riley is one of those handsome, athletic guys who lives for outdoor adventures. Hiking, swimming, boating…you name it, he loves it.
A few years ago, he took up a new sport – stand-up paddleboarding – and today, it’s one of his favorite activities. On warm summer weekends, you can almost always find him on a board while his mom paddles him across a lake.
Oh, yes. Did I mention that Garth is a total mama’s boy? That’s not surprising, really. Most Labrador Retrievers are!
Make a Splash: How to Bond with Your Dog Through Water SportsRead More
Would it surprise you if I told you that one of my favorite coworkers has no concept of time, sleeps on the job and constantly requests play and snack breaks? But that’s okay. He makes up for it by being funny, affectionate and oh-so-adorable.
This Friday is “Take Your Dog to Work Day.” Read today’s post to learn how having pets at work results in a happier, more loyal and productive workforce!
K-9 to 5: How to Make the Most of “Take Your Dog to Work Day”Read More
Did you know that suffering from a broken heart isn’t just an emotional metaphor? According to the American Heart Association, “broken heart syndrome” is a real, physical response to a surge of stress hormones.
The symptoms – chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat – occur more frequently in women than men. It is typically brought on by an extremely stressful life event like the death of a loved one, illness or job loss.
Even more stressful than these events is the end of a marriage. In fact, divorce and marital separation rank numbers two and three respectively on the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale.
Not only can this profound life change bring about physical illness, it can also result in depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation.
Luckily, there are ways to heal a broken heart (both figuratively and literally), and your pets can help!
Need a pick me up to keep stress or sadness at bay? Book a bonding session with your pet!
Those of us with pets know they have a magical ability to make us laugh, smile or just be happy, and while you can probably think of a dozen ways they do this, you might be surprised to learn that hormones are involved.
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It’s sometimes known as the “cuddle hormone”, because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially and can induce strong feelings of love and trust.
For a long time, oxytocin has been known as the link that bonds mother and child, but is it possible that that same hormone can bond pets and humans?
Studies point to yes!
Here are three ways pets and oxytocin spread happiness to humans:
Nothing cleanses the soul more than a day of hiking in an ancient forest with only yourself and your best four-legged friend as company. Spending time in beautiful places reminds us to appreciate nature and the simple things in life.
While you may have hiked alone before, there’s no better way to bond with your dog than on a two-footed and four-footed adventure. For safety, choose your trail carefully, carry a GPS tracker, and let others know exactly where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Hiking with dogs requires only slightly more planning. Rules and regulations vary according to trailhead and park areas, so be sure to contact your local forest ranger station before taking your pets along. Start slowly and work into more intense trailheads or you may find yourself carrying an exhausted dog out in your pack.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions and anecdotes are my own, and I never promote any products or brands I don’t believe in. Today Chilly and I are on Daytime to tell Lindsay McDonald about the Canine Good Citizen Program. If you’re looking for ways to spend more quality time with your …
Canine Good Citizen Certificate Leads to More Bang for Your BondRead More
