Dogs are a human’s best friend, and for good reason. Breeds used to serve working purposes, but today, they are mostly adopted for their company. These amazing companions can have surprising health benefits for their owners. They provide companionship and therapy, reduce stress, and can even improve your heart health. Here are some of the ways that dogs improve our everyday health just by being in our lives.
Reduced Anxiety
Dogs have a natural calming effect. Just by interacting with them, they lower our cortisol levels, which reduces our stress, and releases oxytocin, which helps us to relax. Studies have proved that spending 10 minutes petting and interacting with a dog can reduce anxiety and stress dramatically.
Physical Activity
Those who own dogs are more likely to stay physically active. Their dogs need exercise, and so their owners will have to participate by, at the very least, walking them. This promotes cardiovascular health and mobility. A recent study indicated that dog owners walk for around 5 hours a week, way more than the average non-dog owner.
Heart Health
Studies indicate that dog owners have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and a significantly lower chance of early death. Owners who have suffered heart-related illnesses like heart attacks or strokes also have a better chance of recovery.
Mental Health
Dogs can play an enormous role in mental health. Owning a dog can help stave off feelings of loneliness and depression. Dogs also encourage their owners to participate in outdoor activities, keep better sleep schedules, and have a better routine.
Immune System
Owning a dog will expose children to more germs from dirt that dogs bring in from outside. Studies have suggested that this will boost the immune system of young children and reduce the risks of conditions like asthma and allergies later in life.
Detecting Health Issues
Dogs that have bonded deeply with their owners understand them extremely well. They also have an extremely good sense of smell and can sense if there are any changes in their owner’s body. They can exhibit behaviors like nudging or pacing, which could be an early sign of detecting an underlying illness.
Social Connection
Dogs open up social opportunities. Studies have suggested that people walking dogs are much more approachable and create opportunities to talk to other dog owners. Dog owners may find it easier to make friends and create social connections.
Pain Relief
Dogs may even be able to reduce the pain that their owners are feeling. Studies indicate that petting a dog can release endorphins, the body’s painkillers. This can help with chronic pain and reduce discomfort while improving the quality of life that an individual has.
Longer Lives
Owning a dog can have underlying health benefits, like living longer. Studies suggest that people who own dogs may live longer. This could be due to the aforementioned reduction in stress, boosted immune system and overall mental and physical health impacts these animals have.
Unconditional Love
Dogs love their owners unconditionally, which can boost the happiness and joy that their owners feel. Dog owners have boosted serotonin and dopamine levels when they are with their dogs, which makes them feel good.
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