They say a dog is man’s best friend, and life is better with friends. If you’re ever in two minds about getting a dog, here’s some health benefits to dog ownership that you might want to consider.
There have been countless studies on the connection between human beings and pets. Dogs, in particular, have a significant effect on our day to day lives – whether it’s going out for a walk or taking them on family holidays.
Unlike more passive animals such as caged rodents, they can really lift our mood and generally improve our lives. What’s more, they can also improve our physical health.
That’s not to say they don’t come with their own stress and financial needs. You need to train them, feed them and keep them healthy. But if you are willing to put in the work, the long term rewards you’ll get from your canine companion are immeasurable.
Emotional benefits of owning a dog
From stress reduction to getting us through trauma, our canine friends are instant mood enhancers.
Be social with just about anyone
One of the advantages of having a dog is that it encourages us to be more sociable as humans. This isn’t just limited to taking the dog for a walk – it could be inviting the family over to see a new puppy, or just having somebody to see when you get home from work.
If you’re ever feeling anxious in a new social situation, being a dog owner is a great conversation point. We all love to talk about our fur babies, so they can even help to break the ice. If you are walking the dog, they can also help you to establish trust.
Scientists say that animals transcend any social, physical and cultural differences – two people meeting for the first time can instantly chat over their pups.
Of course, being more sociable benefits us too. As natural pack creatures, we crave interaction with other people. There’s nothing better than getting together with other dog lovers.
A happier start in life
When it comes to dog ownership, it’s not just about being a responsible adult. If you’re raising a dog alongside younger children, this can help to teach them all about responsibility and empathy.
What’s more, there have even been scientific studies linked to children’s physical health. Dogs can help build up a child’s immune system, helping to protect them against respiratory infections, ear infections, allergies and gastroenteritis.
So getting a dog can literally make your child happier and stronger. How’s that for a good reason?
More focus on mindfulness
The ancient practice of mindfulness has long been cited as one of the best ways to help us relax, reduce anxiety and be thankful for what we have.
Mindfulness is essentially the practice of being in the moment – not contemplating the past or worrying about the future.
This helps us to feel more grounded and meditate, improving our breathing and sleep. Having a dog couldn’t be any more mindful: you’re there, in the moment, playing with your pup and appreciating the little things.
From a wag of the tail, to throwing the ball again and again, to appreciating the nature around you as you trail up the mountain, lakes or parks. Take a moment, look around, and just appreciate.
A calmer response to trauma
You may have heard of therapy dogs, whose key role is to help those who are vulnerable or rehabilitating.
It turns out, petting dogs is good for your health – it establishes a bond between the two of you, helping you to release happy hormones such as oxytocin.
What’s more, studies have shown that dogs immediately react when their owners are crying. That’s why you’ll see them leaping up for a cuddle when you’re upset. And who doesn’t need a hug at the worst of times?
Reduced stress levels and depression
One of the key mental health benefits of dogs is their ability to cure loneliness. As we are naturally social creatures, the effects of loneliness can take their toll on our mental and physical health.
Simply stroking your dog will help you feel more socially engaged, boosting your mood naturally. If you are not naturally a social creature, a dog can help you socialise, or simply be the one your socialise with.
If you need to get away from the stress of other humans, there’s nothing like bonding with your dog over a walk or a cuddle, allowing you to still enjoy company, without all the complications of having to socialise with humans.
Therapy for the vulnerable
As we mentioned above, therapy is one of the great positives of having a dog – particularly for the vulnerable.
Dogs are currently being used in care homes to help Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, whose sense of touch still remains intact.
Simply stroking a dog can improve the lives of the sick, disabled and vulnerable considerably. It all goes back to the idea that dogs do, in fact, make us happier people.
Physical benefits of owning a dog
We know that better emotional support is just one of the many benefits of having a dog, but did you know they can also improve your physical health, too?
Getting some exercise
It might sound obvious, but a 1991 study showed that new pet owners actually increased their exercise levels without even realising.
While there’s always an excuse to avoid the gym, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take your dog for a walk. This brings a number of benefits, for example, getting in touch with nature is proven to have positive effects on our mental health.
What’s more, physical exercise increases our production of endorphins, giving us an instant mood lift as we bond with our dog.
Regular exercise boosts our immune system, keeps us flexible and strong, and looks after our heart health. The best part is, we don’t have to pump iron in the gym to get there – a run around with the dog is much more fun!
Lowering your blood pressure
This one may come as a shock to some pet owners, but there is scientific evidence to back it up!
A 2002 study looked at owners of cats and dogs versus those with no pets. It discovered that the pet owners had a lower resting heart rate, and when asked to perform a stressful task, their blood pressure returned to normal more quickly.
The same goes for stroking a dog – studies show that this can decrease blood pressure thanks to its calming effects.
Even more astounding, 94 per cent of heart attack patients with dogs survive – compared to just 72 per cent without pups.
Faster recuperation
If you’ve undergone surgery, suffered an illness or had an accident, research shows that being a pet owner can actually speed up your recovery.
This is for the simple reason that dogs are great stress relievers, putting less pressure on our bodies physically and helping us to get better quicker.
For this reason, doctors are now letting dogs and cats into hospital wards (with reasonable infection prevention measures) and seeing great results from their patients.
A longer lifespan
If there’s any reason to get a dog, this is probably number one! A Swedish study of an incredible 2.4 million people showed that dog ownership had a significant correlation with lifespan.
In particular, participants (who were measured over 12 years) were reported to have fewer cardiovascular problems, while they also did not feel the physical and mental effects of loneliness.
They were also proven to do more exercise and get out into natural spaces, all of which help our mental health and prolong our lives.
It’s a no-brainer!
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, remember that it is a huge commitment financially and will make a big difference to your life; both in terms of how you holiday, for how long, and when you can socialise.
However, the benefits far outweigh the obstacles. From promoting a better relationship with your family to kickstarting your physical health, a dog really can bring you myriad of health benefits.
Speak to a veterinary professional about the best kind of dog to suit you and your family’s needs, and ask your doctor about your personal health too.
You’ll soon see how much a dog can help!
