Who are we kidding here – we all know deep in our hearts that there are a million health benefits of owning a dog. I mean, have you met any of our brilliant professional Dog Walkers? They’re beaming with the good health and happiness that comes from hanging out with dogs all day.
But in case you’ve been trying to convince your family or significant other that it’s time to adopt, or you’ve been looking for excuses to spend more time at home with a fur friend, we’re here to help!
Here is the not-nearly-complete-but-worthy-attempt at listing all of the many health benefits of owning a dog!
#1: Their cuddles are calming
The health benefits of doggie cuddles are many. Spending just a few minutes giving your furry friend a good tummy rub can lower blood pressure and stress. At the same time, it will trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine – two feel-good neurochemicals. Not only will it give you an immediate kick of happiness, but it can also help maintain a general sense of wellbeing over time.
The next time you’re feeling wound up about something, try spending five minutes with an affectionate doggo. Dogs are like the meditation gurus of the animal world. You’ll be practicing mindfulness without even realising it.
#2: They encourage physical exercise
As loving Dog Owners, we tend to care more for our dog’s health than our own. Which is why it’s great that dogs need us to take them outside for some fresh air everyday. We might not take ourselves out for a much-needed walk or jog every morning, but those puppy dog eyes will convince us to get up off the couch and get the steps in. It’s for our dog’s sake, but we benefit too!
#3: They help us practice patience
We could all use a little more patience, and dogs are eager to teach us their ways. When you spend time with a dog, you learn to enjoy the present moment and forget about things like annoying traffic and work responsibilities. Just keep your eye on the tennis ball and all is good in the world.
Plus, training requires a ton of patience, so you’ll be able to hone this skill with your pup.
Oh, and by the way, patience isn’t just a virtue. Patient people tend to be less likely to suffer from headaches, intestinal upset, and acne.
#4: The health of your future children
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published an article suggesting that owning a dog can lower the risk of dog allergies for children.
That means having a dog is like planting a seed for a future generation of allergy-free dog lovers. Who could say no to that?
Even if you already had kids before bringing home a doggo, having dogs around can help children boost their immune systems. By exposing kiddos to a more diverse biome, their bodies become better at dealing with pathogens in the future. On top of that, your dog could be sharing good bacteria with your family. It sounds quite awful, but trust us. It’s a good thing.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to do anything special to reap the immunological benefits of dog ownership. In fact, it’s probably best not to let your dog lick your face. Simply having them around will do the trick!
#5: There’s a doctor in the house!
Dogs have proven themselves to be amazing at detecting certain medical conditions. They can sniff out cancer, predict seizures, tell you when your blood sugar is low, and more.
Of course, it will require a bit of training for your dog to actually do anything about these medical conditions, but you potentially have a diagnostic test in your home. And that’s pretty great!
#6: They’ll make you popular
If you think having a dog doesn’t have anything to do with other people, you’re in for a surprise. Every time you take that adorable pooch out for their daily walkies, you’ll get stopped on the street by other Dog Owners in your neighbourhood, friendly Dog Walkers, and even strangers who just want to say hello.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to build your social network and make friendships with people you might never have met outside of the dog world. And building up your community can positively impact your mental wellness and sense of self.
So, the health benefits of owning a dog? It’s science, friends!
Over and over, the science points to dog ownership as a predictor and cause for good health in humans. So, clean up the backyard, buy a bunch of comfy dog beds, and head to your local animal shelter to give a doggo their forever home!
We want to know how being a Dog Owner has improved your health. Share the benefits you’ve experienced by having a doggo in your life 🐾
1 comment
I got my first and most likely only, puppy at 68 years old. I’ve always loved all animals …. especially dogs but because of my work and travel commitments throughout my 48 year working life, I knew I couldn’t give a dog the love and attention they deserve. My husband and I have now retired and our gorgeous Labradoodle puppy arrived in 2022. We adore her and she has truly enriched our lives. I wake up every morning to her beautiful face and excitement to see us. Her tail wagging furiously waiting for her pats and Dad telling her she is the best dog in the world! We are truly blessed! She keeps us fit and active but more importantly, gives us a real sense of purpose in our retirement years.