A recent study has shown that employees who bring their pets to work tend to have a lower stress level  by the end of the day. Stress in the workplace has been associated with negative physical and psychological outcomes, including a general decline in physical health.

The study found that interacting with their pets lowered the levels of cortisol in the employees’ bodies, a stress-related hormone that can lead to high cholesterol levels, hypertension and depression. When employees feel good, they can be happier and more productive. Humans who interacted with pets for only a few minutes saw dramatic increases in hormones like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin – chemicals associated with happiness and well-being. Plus, the pets had an increase in positive hormones, too. And good moods can often lead to more creativity in the workplace.

The Centers for Disease Control says that having pets can help reduce blood pressure, in addition to decreasing loneliness, lowering cholesterol levels and encouraging physical activity. The better an employee feels on a regular basis, the more they are able to stay focused and produce quality work. In addition to these health benefits, pets in the office can:

• Increase productivity and provide inspiration: Having pets nearby can keep an employee relaxed and happy – making work more enjoyable.
• Improve job satisfaction and employee retention.
• Encourage co-worker interaction: Pets add another layer of interaction between co-workers, and otherwise quiet employees can become more engaged when talking to a co-worker about their pets.
• Promote healthy break time: Dog owners spend their breaks walking and caring for their dogs, getting them on their feet. Even just taking a few minutes to play with a pet can help provide a mental break and lower stress.
• Project healthy work-life balance: For many people, pets are a huge part of their lives. Companies that encourage pets in the workplace show that they care about their employees and the balance between work and home.
  

  For more information about pets in your workplace, or other pet information, contact Tara at

• 610-845-WOOF or www.TarasPetsitting.com.

Aengus

Irish wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds. They are greyhound-like but rough coated and especially wiry around the eyes and under the chin. They are muscular but graceful, and have a strong, arched neck and deep chest.

Woody

The ancestors of this hound probably came to Ireland from the Roman Empire. The practice of gifting wolfhounds to visiting nobility, the extinction of the wolf in Ireland, and the famine of 1845 virtually decimated the breed. In 1869, the breed was resurrected by crossing the few remaining with Scottish Deerhounds, Great Danes, and Borzoi.

Quiet by nature, Irish wolfhounds are dignified, intelligent, sensitive, and sweet. They often create a strong bond with their family, and can become destructive or morose if left alone for long periods of time. They are generally somewhat stand-offish with total strangers, and their size can be a natural deterrent. Relatively easy to train, they respond well to firm, but gentle leadership. Despite their great size, they are good with children, pets, and other dogs.

For more information about Irish Wolfhounds, or other pet breeds, contact Tara at

 610-845-WOOF or www.TarasPetsitting.com.

Aengus and Woody

Fred

Is your cat stressed?  Does he exhibit signs of anxiety?  All too often our feline friends become anxious when put in unfamiliar surroundings, when left alone or when they hear loud noises.  Some pet owners have tried creative ways to ease their pets’ stress level like leaving the TV or radio on for them.  So the age old question is “does music really soothe the savage beast?” Studies show that the major factor in this area is the type of music itself.

The type of music you may be leaving on for your cat may not be creating the relaxed environment you desire for him.  Although studies show that cats can be largely indifferent to human music, it is well known that high pitches and notes cause cats to become agitated.  To promote  calmness, take into consideration their hearing acuteness when selecting their music.  Music containing slow beats and deep tones like the oboe, deep bass or even male choir voices can have a calming effect on cats.   Some pets respond favorably to certain classical music (especially Bach) under stressful situations.  Other studies show that Yoga meditation music and OM Shanti tunes calmed cats and actually causes them to breathe more slowly.  Reactions may vary so be “in tune” with your cat when creating that “purrrrfectly” relaxed environment.

For more pet information, check out www.TarasPetsitting.com or contact Tara at 610-845-WOOF.

Although dogs sweat, they do it much differently than their human counterparts. Most of their perspiration comes through their paw pads.  The quantity is minimal so it is not enough to make big changes in their body temperature.  But what does? … Their  panting and breathing!  The dog’s tongue  and the lining of their lungs are the primary locations where their body heat  is transferred to the air.  A dog’s tongue does not contain sweat glands as seems to be a popular belief.  Dogs also dissipate some body heat by the expanding blood vessels in their face and ears.  All three methods of cooling help keep your dog from overheating but are not enough by themselves.  Below are some helpful hints that you can take to ensure your dog does not overheat, stays cool, and remains healthy during these hot summer months.

• Avoid excessive play on hot days.
• Provide fresh cool water to keep your dog well hydrated.
• Avoid leaving your dog in the car.
• If your dog does become overheated, contact your vet immediately.

For more pet information, check out www.TarasPetsitting.com or contact Tara at 610-845-WOOF. Have a safe and happy summer!