20 Ways Dogs Make Humans Healthier
Those of us who have had the pleasure of growing up with four-legged furry friends, are already aware of the amount of joy and happiness they add to our lives. A dog will be a constant companion, who is going to be there for you and love you unconditionally. If you have never had a dog before, then you could be missing out on a bond that will last for as long as Fido shall live. We will share how dogs can help make humans healthier.
Whilst everyone is aware of the benefits they bring us humans on an emotional level, few people recognize how dogs can make us healthier. Here are the top 20 ways that a dog can help you improve your emotional and physical health.
You will have a more active lifestyle.
Whilst you might prefer smaller breed dogs to their larger canine companions, don’t be fooled into thinking they don’t need to go out for a walk as much. Dog behaviorists are all in agreement that regardless of their size or breed, every dog needs the physical and mental stimulation of going for a walk or run each day. As a dog owner, if you fail to meet your dog’s exercise requirements, you might find he becomes destructive and in some cases, aggressive. Studies have shown that walking for just 30 minutes daily can significantly lower the risk of serious diseases and that people with dogs tend to lead a more active lifestyle overall.
Less prone to allergies
Recent studies have revealed that children who are raised in homes alongside dogs are much less likely to have allergies later in life.
Excellent service animals
It’s a well-known fact that dogs make loyal companions and this is of prime importance in a service animal. Granted, it takes professional training to get a dog to a standard where you can entrust him with you life, however they are highly intelligent animals. They can even smell when your blood sugar is too low and remind you to eat!
They love you unconditionally
We have all been through moments in life where we have convinced ourselves that we are destined to be alone. Or maybe a relationship ended where we were loved, but just not enough to make up for our defects. (sematext.com) The best thing about owning a dog is that they love you unconditionally. Not only is this amazing for your emotional health, the feelings of fuzziness that you get when you pet your dog causes a release of serotonin- the happy chemical in our brain!
You will sleep better
Many first-time dog owners will start out by buying their dog a nice bed for him to sleep in, swearing to themselves that she will never be allowed to sleep in the bed. Fast forward a few weeks and almost every single one of these new beds lies redundantly in the corner whilst owner and dog snuggle up together under the duvet. Sleeping next to your dog will automatically provide you with a sense of calmness and security, regardless how bad your day has been.
You will start to appreciate the little things in life
Dogs are great as boosting our mood and helping us maintain a positive mindset as they only have a few basic necessities to keep them happy. Providing they have somewhere warm to lay their head, food, water and love combined with a good walk once a day- they are always upbeat. Getting out in nature has been proven to benefit human health, so it won’t be long before you start waking up in the mornings with a sense of gratitude if you own a dog.
Dogs help keep us safe
Owning a guard dog is the most effective home security system you can have. There is no greater deterrent to an intruder then an angry looking big dog. But aside from keeping their owners safe at home, dogs also play a key role in medicine. Just as a dog can be trained to sniff out drugs, they can also detect cancer cells.
They help you overcome depression
Studies have shown that regular interaction with a canine companion can help you overcome depression. Stroking a dog has a soothing effect, which relaxes the mind and triggers positive emotions.
Lower cholesterol
Dog owners in general have lower cholesterol levels and researchers put this down to having a more active lifestyle and spending more time in nature, which reduces stress levels.
Dogs make the heart stronger
Science has shown that those who own dogs tend to bounce back quicker from heart attacks and they also are less prone to developing cardiac disease.
They are an invaluable addition to cancer research
Dogs develop the same forms of cancer as we humans do, so they are an invaluable addition to cancer research. This will ultimately allow both you and your dog to live longer, healthier lives.
A dog could help you find true love
Several online dating websites are specifically designed to cater for dog lovers. These websites are the perfect way to find love with other like-minded people and even if online dating isn’t your thing- no one can resist a cute puppy in the park.
They can greatly help children with disabilities
A well-trained and calm dog is going to be an invaluable therapy tool for children. They not only offer a child companionship, but can also be trained to alert someone if the child is having a seizure or fit.
Dogs help lower blood pressure
If you are prone to suffering from stress and high blood pressure, then getting a dog could be the perfect cure for you. Not only can you take comfort in snuggling up to them to calm yourself down, you also benefit from blowing off steam outside when Fido’s duties call!
Relieve symptoms of loneliness
Having a dog means you will end up relinquishing your right to being alone on a rainy day. They have a tendency to follow you absolutely everywhere you go, so you are less likely to struggle with feelings of loneliness and abandonment.
They provide endless entertainment
I can promise you that there will never be a dull moment in your house with a dog around. They seem to have an incredible ability to do the stupidest things at the most inappropriate moments, which make everlasting memories. As the saying goes- laughter is the best medicine and no one is better at playing the fool than your four-legged friend.
The best therapy money can buy
Studies have shown that over 85% of participants interviewed who own dogs, have admitted that their dog was what kept them going when they wanted to give up on life. Not only will owning a dog allow you to work on being more patient, it will also teach you to be more responsible and affectionate.
Dogs can help relieve symptoms of ADHD
Many adults and children who battle with ADHD have reported that owning a dog forces them to stick to some kind of routine in their daily lives and also contributes to enhancing their level of concentration.
They can strengthen your immune system
Owning a dog is going to force you expose yourself to a variety of different outdoor environments, which is going to allow you to develop and strengthen your immune system. The same is true if you have children- allowing them to join you on dog walks is going to set them up for success in life, when it comes to staying healthy.
They can help you overcome stress and trauma
Man war veterans suffering from PTSD have reported that getting a dog has helped them come to terms with the traumas they have suffered. Not only has having a dog enabled them to learn to trust again, it has also taught them that no matter how bad they feel, they have to keep going. (simonsezit)
Having a dog is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences life has to offer. Everyone who has owned a dog agrees that they bring a sense of happiness and joy to your life that nothing else can.
Final thoughts on the Pebby top 20 Ways Dogs Make Humans Healthier
Getting a dog can add a whole lot of benefits to your life as you have read above. They offer a love that few people have ever had the pleasure of experiencing and they can also improve so many different aspects of your life. With all of this said, it’s important to remember that owning a dog comes with responsibility, as they are for life. If you are unsure whether or not you are ready to have a dog of your own, you could look into one of the many volunteer websites that allow you to walk other people’s dogs.
If you have been on the fence about taking the plunge and getting your own canine critter and you are prepared to provide them with the essentials that they need in life, then it will be the best decision you have ever made and one that you certainly won’t regret.
