What is the first thing that strikes your mind when you think about dogs? Unconditional love? Soul partner? Or maybe constant entertainment? And we assume there is more on the list because that is what dogs are; completely selfless, devoted companions and expressive like anything. So, it would not be wrong to say if you are lucky a dog will come into your life and change it in the best way possible forever.
Those of you who already have been there and done that know what we are talking about. Dogs are truly angels that only know how to love hard and play even harder. But did you know that there are many health and scientific benefits to keeping a dog?
The Medical News Today recently reported that owning a dog can reduce one’s chances of dying prematurely by up to one third.
Researchers at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, also suggest that dog owners are less likely to develop heart disease.
There are so many ways in which dogs enrich our lives. We feel better mentally and physically when we exercise, are able to meet new people, and have a reason to get out of bed each morning. Having said that, if you are planning to get a dog, this post will give you all the reasons that happens as soon as possible.
Make sure you do your research and choose a dog breed that suits your budget, lifestyle, and work schedule. There are some dogs that require more time and attention than others; if you can’t provide that, do not get them. Not to mention, everything is already available on the internet, so take some time out and plan accordingly.
If you have a reliable and great internet like Charter Spectrum, things will already be easier for you as there are many apps that can help you with which dog to choose and how to take care of it on an everyday basis.
Anyway, below are some of the benefits of getting a dog:
Your Friend in Times of Loneliness
Let us face it; people will not always make time for you to be there in times of need. However, dogs can and they will always be there by your side. They will make sure to fill you with endless and unconditional love that will make all your worries disappear.
An American survey found that 80% of pet owners and non-pet owners felt less lonely when they had a pet.
Additionally, if you are an introvert who has a hard time socializing, a dog will help you get through it. People find it easier to approach you when you are walking a dog. So, walking a dog can help you make new friends. Consider how many times you have smiled at someone or struck up a conversation with a dog.
Will Be Your Fitness Partner
Although dogs are irreplaceable companions, they can also motivate you to stay active and healthy. According to a study by Michigan State University researchers in 2011, 60% of dog owners who walk their pets regularly meet the minimum requirements for regular exercise. In spite of the dog walking itself, owning and walking a dog seems to be associated with higher levels of physical activity. In general, it is best to select a dog that fits your lifestyle – i.e., an active dog would not fit a family that is more sedentary and vice versa.
Helps You Cope with Stress and Anxiety
Dog owners know that looking at them in a certain way can bring them comfort and ease their worries. Several studies have found that petting a dog for ten minutes significantly reduces cortisol, a biomarker of stress. Moreover, the mere sight of a dog can also make you feel better. The “love hormone,” or oxytocin, is released when you stare into your dog’s eyes, according to a 2009 study in Japan.
Besides decreasing blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate in a matter of minutes, petting one’s dog also relieves muscle tension, which we will discuss in greater detail next.
They are Beneficial for the Health of Our Hearts
There is nothing more comforting and heartwarming than a canine companion in a dog lover’s life. They might not be aware that having a dog may improve heart health according to a growing body of evidence. Science has shown that our hearts can become stronger by having a pet, especially a dog.
The results of a study in 2002 indicated that married couples who owned pets had significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure levels compared to their non-pet-owning counterparts. A 2003 report in the American Journal of Cardiology claims that heart attack survivors with pets lived 8 times longer than those without pets. This study was later confirmed by many other researchers in the 1980s.
Wrapping Up
You can see how having a dog has its benefits. This is only a small sample of the many out there! Being a dog owner is a rewarding and life-changing experience. You should however only get one if you have the time, money, and enthusiasm to take care of it.
References
- https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/benefits-of-having-a-dog
- https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-community/pet-talk/the-top-benefits-of-having-a-dog/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/
