How can a little furry friend bring so much joy to our lives? It’s a rhetorical question but one we may address in another post.
Watching dogs go about their lives in a carefree way fills our hearts with love. But owning a dog offers so much more than just warm cuddles and slobbery kisses.
We all know that the benefits of having a dog include increased mental and physical health and flood our bodies with feel good chemicals. According to a study by the University of New Mexico “Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which can calm and relax a person”. Sounds like a topic we could all use some more information on so let’s dive into the wonderful world of pet ownership.
Benefits of Having a Dog
- Lowered Stress Levels and Enhanced Mental Health
Life can be overwhelming. It can be filled with feelings of stress. We have bills to pay and things to do. Dogs can play a big role in reducing our stress levels and getting us back to some semblance of peace. A study done by Johns Hopkins Medicine said “Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol , while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin”. This is one of countless studies that has shown that pet owners, especially dog owners, experience lower stress levels and reduced risk of depression when compared to non dog owners. Dogs go about their day with only one thing on their mind, their owner. They show unconditional love and provide emotional support. This is why they make such good therapy animals for those struggling with mental health issues.
- Physical Health and Exercise
A bored dog will tear up your house and drive you nuts. So what can you do to stop this from happening? You can get outside and go for a walk. They basically force you to get moving. Dog ownership could just be the missing link in our quest to stay in shape. Trips to the dog park at sunset are some of our favorite activities at Bullibone. It can play a role in maintaining a healthy weight and keep our hearts pumping in a good way. According to a report by the American Heart Association, dog owners are 31% less likely to die from a stroke or a heart attack. So you are telling me they can help keep us from developing heart disease and help reduce our blood pressure? Yes! That’s exactly what we are telling you.
- Social Interaction and Companionship
Have you ever walked down a crowded street with your dog? What happens? Everyone want to pet your furry friend. People ask what their name is. They ask what kind of dog that is. Dogs are social magnets. Taking your pup for a walk leads to encounters with fellow dog owners who are equally as passionate about their animal. It’s like you are part of an animal enthusiasts secret club. They are the best icebreakers on the planet. It can take all the focus off of yourself if you are shy and your dog will gladly be the center of the conversation. You will hear funny stories from another pet owner. You will come to crave this companionship and if you’re not careful, you may just become a professional dog walker.
- Heart Health and Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
A report by Harvard University mirrored the findings in the related articles we previously mentioned. Risk of cardiovascular disease was lower. Risk of heart attack was lower. Risk of death was lower. Blood pressure was reduced. Owning a dog increases nearly every measurable indicator of heart health for pet owners compared to non pet owners. These wonderful creatures provide some impactful health benefits.
- Companionship for The Whole Family
Growing up with a dog is something every child should experience. I’m not sure if that is an opinion or a fact, but it feels like something that needs to be said. It teaches them to care for a living creature and teaches them valuable life shills like empathy and responsibility. A dog will give us endless affection and can support us in our most challenging times. Imagine a child having a best friend by their side at all times who will listen to their secrets and never tell anyone what they heard. A friend that will protect them, love them, and be more loyal than any human could ever be.
- Therapy and Service Dogs
There is a reason why dogs are the best companion animals. They were put on this earth to bring us joy but are also hardwired to follow their pack leader. People will train a therapy dog to visit sick and lonely people in hospitals which will help to improve their mental health and overall well-being. People also train service dogs to provide assistance to individuals with physical disabilities or medical conditions. It can give someone a sense of independence they have never experienced. These amazing animals can guide the visually impaired and can ever sense when someone with diabetes is in a dangerous range with their blood sugar levels.
We hope we have laid out a compelling case for the top benefits of having a dog. People who have dogs are just happier and healthier in general than people who don’t.
If you are looking to adopt a new friend or looking to take on the responsibility of bringing a new pup into your home please make sure you do some research. Make sure you do some basic training. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to the journey you are getting ready for. Make sure you have a bed ready for them and some dog dental bones to keep their teeth healthy from the get go. It is a commitment you will not regret, but one that must be taken seriously.
Here are some more sources that might help you out in your quest for uncovering the reasons why dogs are awesome and the trends behind the growing wave of dog ownership.
- According to the American Pet Products Association, approximately 85 million households in the United States have at least one pet.
- A survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 85% of pet owners consider dogs to be members of their family.
- A study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that pet owners had lower levels of stress and anxiety than non-pet owners.
- A survey by American Veterinary Medical Association found that 65% of pet owners say that their pets help them meet new people.
- A survey by Mars Petcare found that 65% of pet owners say that their pets help them meet new people.
