Friendship, love, and entertainment – these are only a few of the things that come to mind when one thinks of a dog. From companionship to improving health, dogs play a major role in our life. If you’re a dog lover then you would know why having a dog at home improves your life for the better.
The benefits that come with spending time with a canine companion are enormous. Dogs boost our happiness, help us deal with stress, and even make our lives better. Numerous studies done on the same topic also point to how the proximity of a dog can improve your physical, mental, and emotional state.
While taking care of dogs is a huge responsibility, the benefits that they provide tend to make us forget the work that goes into taking care of them. This blog outlines a few of the many benefits of having a dog in your life. So if you’re a dog lover, or someone looking to get a new pet, be sure to check out this blog to find out the many advantages of having a canine companion in your life.
6 Benefits of Having a Dog in Your Life
1. Dogs are the Perfect Exercise Partner
There are certain benefits that come with having a dog especially if you want to keep fit. Dogs require and want exercise plus they also have a very good memory. Imagine Monday morning at six o’clock, taking your dog for a walk and doing the same on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, a wagging tail will be faithfully waiting at your door anticipating the walk.
This will ensure that both you and your dog are getting the much-needed exercise. Your dog’s walking schedule will assist you in developing a consistent exercise routine for yourself.
2. Dogs Increase Social Interaction Opportunities
Most of us have undoubtedly bumped into people while walking our pets. In addition to providing us with emotional fulfilment, the relationship with our dogs offers us several possibilities for the kind of social engagement that is all too rare in today’s society. It offers an opportunity to strike up a conversation which would otherwise have not been possible.
Just taking your dog around the neighbourhood is enough to give you a chance to talk to some neighbours and make some new friends. This will give your dog a chance to make new friends as well.
3. Dogs are Great for Kids’ Emotional Development
Dogs play a significant role when it comes to infant development. Studies show that one of the benefits of having a dog at home is that it gives children something positive to focus on which inadvertently leads to better development.
4. Dogs Improve Mental Health
According to studies, playing with a dog can increase the production of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. Studies also point to the benefits of having a dog for depression. Additionally, heart disease and high blood pressure are less prevalent in dog owners.
Dogs can also help to manage the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, according to research. A HABRI poll revealed that 87% of doctors believed pet ownership enhanced their patients’ perspective and happiness. Dogs tend to make an individual feel loved and offer unconditional affection.
They also satisfy the basic craving for contact in people. According to a study conducted by the University of South Australia, it was found that 90% of respondents thought pet contact was calming and comfortable. Petting a dog can reduce blood pressure & pulse rate, diminish threat & stress reactions in the brain, and raise happy hormone levels.
5. Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
One of the major benefits of having a dog at home is that they can vastly improve your health. Data shows that having a dog is linked to decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The results of a study addressing this issue revealed that dog owners had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than non-owners.
Dogs also have a calming effect which aids in stress management. Certain studies indicate that having a dog reduces cardiovascular activity when under stress. As a result, the effects of stress on the body are also greatly reduced.
6. Act as Guides for Elderly People
The hundreds of tasks taught to service dogs can help people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) maintain their independence. They can also assist family members and caregivers of Alzheimer patients with some of their daily tasks. Before being paired with their human, these dogs go through a rigorous 2-year training programme.
Additionally, there are dogs that are trained to offer therapy to people with Dementia. The ability to manage mood fluctuations, which can be typical in some dementia patients, is a part of training. Thus, making it one of the more important health benefits of having a dog.
Final Thoughts
Dogs really are a person’s best friend. From keeping one fit to improving mental health, dogs go that extra mile to keep their owners safe and happy. Besides protecting us from external threats, they also provide great comfort in terms of inner turmoil. They keep you happy, safe, and protected. All of which have been backed by numerous scientific research from time to time.
So if you are planning on getting a dog, don’t hesitate. The benefits of having a dog far outweigh the trouble of looking after them. Also, be sure to give them the care and attention they deserve.
