To many, our dogs have become more than just pets, they have become family. As you spread the love around this Valentine's month, don't forget to show some love to your furry friend too, because they are providing not only companionship but are beneficial to your health too!
In a recent article published by The Conversation, Lisa F Carver says: "Sharing your life with a pet has been associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery disease, a reduction in stress levels and increased physical activity (especially through dog walking)."
Carver says: "The presence of a pet during stressful activities has been shown to lower the blood pressure of couples taking part in a stressful task. In fact, levels of beta-endorphin, oxytocin and dopamine, among other markers, increased in both humans and their dogs during caring interactions, demonstrating that time spent together is physiologically beneficial for both species."
So your dog is taking care of your health, it's time to return the favour.
Ricky Litchfield is an all-natural buchu extract product range for dogs and we've got a hamper to give way as part of our #MyHeart competition.
If you haven’t yet heard that Buchu boasts some exceptional healing properties for a range of ailments, then you’ve been missing out - it’s perfect for everyday use, its benefits are endless and it yields no side effects. This miracle herb is not just good for you, but for your pooch too.
Buchu is a natural anti-inflammatory and effectively manages:
- Joint and skin conditions
- Keeps general inflammatory levels under control
- Great for preventative care and maintenance
It boasts anti-infective properties and promotes:
- Rapid wound healing
- Post-operative care
- Optimal everyday grooming
Our hamper includes:
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Good Dog Treats
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Infla-Active Capsules 90s
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Smart Health Powder Supplement
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Topical Gel
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Hot Spot Spray
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Shampoo
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield EarSmart Solution
- 1 x Ricky Litchfield Complete Care Wipes (10s)
How to enter:
Tell us why you love your pet - or a person in your life. If you are our pick for the best story of the day, you will win one of our amazing prizes, which includes the Ricky Litchfield Hamper, and be entered into the grand prize draw.
So send an email to [email protected] telling us your #MyHeart story.
You can also DM us on Facebook or Twitter, or tag us on Instagram.
Or download our app on Android or IOS and use our MOJO feature to send us your entry.
TIP: The more words the better, and if you have pics and videos, you can send that too.
The competition runs from February 1 to 28.
Winners will be notified by March 1.
Winners will be notified by email or phone, so please send us your contact details with your entry.
Competition Rules:
Selected story entries, pictures and videos will be published on iol.co.za and our social media pages. The winners' names will be published on our website and social media pages.
Your privacy is important to us. When you enter a competition with us, we ask for your name, email address and mobile number. We use email addresses to notify winners to let them know they have won a prize. We use the mobile numbers provided in order to contact the winner and for prize delivery.
The competition is only open to people residing in South Africa.
Employees of Independent Media, the sponsors & their agents, or any company associated with the competition & their immediate families are not eligible to enter. • Prizes are not redeemable for cash. • The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. • Receipt of entries will not be acknowledged. • The entrant accepts that entry to the competition does not constitute a contract or any form of legal commitment between the entrant and IOL.