Doctor Presribes Canine Companionship

A Texas doctor is writing an unusual prescription for her patients, and it’s doing wonders for their health!

But you can’t pick this one up at the pharmacy.

Here’s a hint: this doctor’s medicine involves a leash!

Sharon Emerson is following doctor’s orders.

Sharon suffered with high blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety, so Dr. Jane Sadler, wrote a prescription for a dog!

“It was a perfect pitch for her. We knew that a dog would get her up and out of the house, we knew that the dog would help her exercise more and lower her cholesterol, stress and she would be an overall improved person,“ said family physician Dr. Sadler.

Doctor Sadler says studies show dogs can improve allergies, help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety, which can lower medical bills.

Sharon’s stress levels have improved so has her cholesterol.

With Mia, being active is no longer a choice!

“I can’t talk to myself and say, ‘oh, I don’t really need to walk today,‘ because Mia does need to walk and she’ll let you know,“ said Emerson.

Here’s another pet perk: several studies show heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without.