Dog owners know that life is better with a dog. There is nothing like their love, loyalty, and trust along with their enthusiasm when you return home each day. Another great reason to own a dog is that they are good for you. Dogs have a positive impact on your physical health and mental well-being. The science backs this up from studies reported by the Mayo Clinic, the National Institute of Health and Harvard Health among others.
Dogs are great company
You’re never lonely with a dog. They offer emotional support with their cuddles and unconditional love. Dogs can be there for you when other people can’t.
Dogs help you stress less
The comfort of and caring for your dog can take your mind off things to ease your worries. Therapy dogs relieve stress and anxiety. Petting your dog can lower your heart rate and blood pressure reducing cortisol, a stress hormone.
Dogs are heart healthy
Many studies show that dog owners have a lower risk of death. These studies show dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and the bond between the owner and canine companion reduces stress, one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease.
Dogs get you moving
Rain or shine when a dog has to “go,” you have to go out with them too. And it’s not just taking walks. Other activities like feeding, playing and grooming all increase physical activity. Studies show that dog owners were more active than non-dog owners and that they met daily physical activity guidelines.
Dogs make you more social
Dog owners tend to interact more with people and have an easier time making friends. Dogs are great conversation starters. Walking with a dog makes you more approachable. Dogs can also be a “date magnet.”
They make people appear to more attractive.
Dogs are great for kids
The bond a child has with a dog can foster their emotional well-being. Dogs help enhance their social skills and provide therapeutic effects for children with ADHD and autism.
Dogs are great for seniors
Studies show that pet therapy can improve cognitive functions of residents of long-term care facilities. Research has found that dogs help improve the social interactions of seniors and decrease the agitated behavior of those with dementia.
Dogs make you happier
Just looking at a dog wagging its tail can lift your spirits. They boost your mood and a study in Japan found that staring into your dog’s eyes can raise your level of oxytocin, that is known as the “love hormone.”
Dogs can help you cope
In times of crisis dogs can impact recovery psychologically. Studies have shown that military veterans can do better both psychologically and physically when they have a service dog.
Dogs are hard to resist
Why do we find puppies so irresistible? A dog’s facial features possess what’s known as an “infant schema,” a set of infantile physical features that is perceived as cute and triggers an innate caregiver behavior.
Dogs have been human companions since the beginning of civilization. While people think they are taking care of a dog, the dog is taking care of its person as well. Welcoming a dog into your home is a major decision and huge responsibility both in terms of time and financial commitments that need to be carefully considered. But also consider the marvelous emotional and health benefits that a canine companion can offer. Make no bones about it, there’s that unrivaled and unconditional love like no other!
