Dogs Keep You Healthy

Dogs are the wonderful pets that admire us to stay happy and healthy. They can ease loneliness, reduce stress, motivates for exercise, improves mental health and provide unconditional love. Here are numerous benefits of owning a dog.

Lowering Risk of Heart Problems

Several studies have shown that dog owners have healthier statistics for several cardiovascular criteria, and tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and levels of triglycerides (fatty acids associated with saturated and unsaturated fats). Another study found that dog owners who walk their dogs daily, can sniff out many health problems. Additionally, studies have shown that heart attack sufferers who have pets, tend to have better recovery and longer survival rates.

 

Reducing Stress

Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress and dogs are the best companions as humans to do so. And humans feel less lonely when they have a dog. Caring for a pet has been shown to lower stress, reduce depression and anxiety, and increase energy. People who own dogs are more physically active. They make us feel comfortable and give us a sense of responsibility.

 

 

Good Motivators For Exercise

Studies found that dog owners were more likely to participate in physical activity than those who didn’t own a dog. That being the case, dogs help us to lose or maintain weight and feel better about ourselves. They are always up for a walk or a run. They get you off the couch and take them for a walk or jog. It may also be one of the reasons, pet owners are so heart healthy.

 

Reducing allergy risk

Children who grow up with dogs have less risk of allergies and asthma, many also learn responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Having a dog in the house can actually reduce a child’s chances of developing animal allergies and respiratory problems later in life by 33 percent.

 

Just Looking at Dog will Make You Feel Happier

Looking at dog can stress you down in high stress situations and enhance energy level. Researchers found that interacting with dogs can raise one level of oxytocin (the neurohormone that elicits feelings of happiness). People who have pets in their lives have shown increased levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin.

 

Dogs Are Children Friendly

Dogs helps to boost confidence in young children. Besides, dogs help autistic children to be more social, develop advance skills and sleep better. Studies have also shown that dog can help calm hyperactive or overly aggressive kids. Playing and exercising with a dog can help a child to stay alert and attentive throughout the day.

Resources:

Physical & Medical Health Benefits of Pets –

Describes all the wonderful ways pets can help us live healthier, happier lives. (PetEducation.com; commercial site)

Companion Animals in Care Environments –

Series of articles about animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy. (University of Minnesota)