Pets in Pants

Those people walking down the street pushing costumed puppies in strollers might not be as crazy as they appear-they might be the sanest, healthiest people out there.

Dressing up your pets is a form of anthropomorphism, which is when people attribute human characteristics to animals, thinking that animals have the same capacity as humans for thoughts, feelings, motivations, and beliefs. A report in Society & Animals (2002), states that attributing human characteristics to pets and relying on them for social support has health benefits.

Pets improve owners' sense of well-being and aid with stress relief, which can help with some types of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, and suicide.

So, if you're feeling down, dress up your furry friend and go for a walk.