6 Amazing Health Benefits of Dog Companionship
Our dogs are always fun to have around, but we now know that they also provide tangible health benefits to us as owners! They lead us toward a healthier lifestyle, and one filled with love and commitment. Check out these great ways that our doggies help us!
- Your Doggy Will Improve Your Disposition
We love spending time with our pups, but did you know it can actually help your mood? Scientific testing has proven that within just a half hour of time with your dog, you become measurably calmer. Playing with your dog also raises your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are closely associated with pleasure and tranquility. Psychologists found that the positive effects of having a canine companion can be equivalent to having a human friend.
- Dogs Can Help Prevent Disease
Dogs are not only great for your state of mind; they are also great for your physical health. Dog owners have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer heart attacks. Statistically, dog owners have less medical problems overall than non-dog owners.
- Dogs Encourage an Active Lifestyle
Dogs make you get up and move! Taking your dog on walks and throwing the ball around makes for good exercise. Apart from the dog walking alone, dog owners were also found to achieve more advanced stages of movement compared to those who own dogs and do not walk them. Studies show that on average dog walkers on average walked about an hour longer than their non-dog walking counterparts, which is great for the health of the dog and the owner!
- Dogs Help Social Behavior
Having a dog around in social situations helps the owner become more social, approachable, and can help some people get over shyness. Doing activities with your dog such as going for walks, going to the store, and going to events is great for both you and your furry friend, as it is a great way to meet new people and mingle with other dogs and dog lovers. Take your puppy out and have some fun!
- Dogs Are Great for Kids’ Health
Getting your child a furry companion can be beneficial to their health! We all value our health and dogs can actually help contribute to keeping your child healthy just by being part of the family! Studies have shown that kids who grow up with dogs in the home have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema. Kids with dogs in the home also have fewer sick days and grow up with higher levels of certain immune system supporters that keep them in good shape as they get older.
- Your Dog Will Make You More Compassionate
We spend a lot of time training our dogs, but they can teach us a lot, too. Having a dog teaches us patience, commitment, and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a lot of responsibility and commitment, and it also teaches us to have more patience and be less self-centered. Dog owners will likely learn to be less focused on themselves, since animals require our total care.
