At our compounding pharmacy near Studio City, we work with physicians and veterinarians to ensure that both you and your pet stay happy and healthy.

A whopping 36.5% of households in the United States own at least one dog, and there’s no doubt that dogs play a large part in the lives of many people. Here are three unexpected health benefits of owning a dog.

1. Heart Health

Studies have shown that dog ownership is linked to reduced cholesterol and lower blood pressure, two vital components of heart health. These health benefits are likely due to the amount of physical activity dog owners partake in with their furry friends. Because dog owners walk their dogs, they tend to clock in more exercise time on average than more sedentary people without dogs.

2. Cancer Detection

A dog’s sense of smell is exponentially better than our own. While we humans only have about six million olfactory receptors in our noses, dogs can have up to 300 million. Numerous studies have shown that dogs are able to sniff out malignant growths in the human body. When cancer cells form, they produce different waste products than those of healthy cells. Scientists believe that dogs are able to smell these metabolic products and thus detect cancer, even in its early stages. If your dog seems to obsessively sniff an area of your body such as a mole on your arm, it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor.

3. Stress Reduction

Researchers have found that when people pet a friendly dog, their heart rates slow and their muscle tension relaxes. Caring for – and bonding with – a dog greatly reduces stress. When a dog and a human make eye contact and hold their gaze, both the dog and the human experience an increased release of oxytocin. The release of oxytocin in the brain triggers feelings of love and affection between a dog and its human.

About ABC Compounding Pharmacy

ABC Compounding Pharmacy is a compounding pharmacy serving patients in the Studio City area. Our team of experts works with physicians and veterinarians to find the right combination of medications to treat each individual’s needs.