Dogs have evolved with humans for the past 10,000 years. Two different species that started out as the unlikeliest hunting companions have now developed the closest bond between any distinct animals. There is a history and scientific proof for why dogs are actually a man’s best friend. Here are some of the major benefits of owning a dog.
1. Improving your heart health
Playing with a dog doesn’t just make your heart feel warm and fuzzy, it actually can make it stronger. Several studies have shown a relationship between dog ownership and myriad health benefits such as lower cholesterol, decreased triglyceride levels and reduced blood pressure. All of these factors contribute to an improved and healthier cardiovascular system overall. Dog owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than their counterparts.
2. Keeping you active and fit.
Experts suggest that adults receive two-and-a-half hours of exercise per week. In a society plagued by obesity and diabetes, many adults don’t get adequate exercise. However, dog owners are more likely to achieve this goal. Whether walking their dog for a bathroom break or going for a jog in the park, pet owners are more likely to move throughout the day. This benefit extends into holder age as older adults with dogs were found to have fewer physical limitations and more frequent exercise.
3. Help you lose weight
Dogs have to be walked and humans have to exercise. This is a perfect combination that can be solved with a daily stroll through the neighborhood. Research has consistently found that walking a dog can help people lose weight. The moderate physical activity of walking for 10-30 minutes is enough to boost the average person’s metabolism. Many dog owners don’t even see this activity as exercise. Instead, they view it as a responsibility to their pet.
4. Increase your relationships
Many people find it more difficult to make new friends as they age. When not working or going to school, there aren’t many opportunities to meet new people. Research has shown that dog owners are more likely to meet new friends for a few reasons. First and foremost, dog owners are forced to leave their house more often. They can easily meet other pet owners and immediately have something in common to discuss. Studies have also found that dog owners tend to be more outgoing, even in older age. This is a critical characteristic for making new friends.
5. Helps your kids
Today many kids are facing extreme anxiety and depression. This can be due to social media or other outside influences but a dog can greatly help them feel loved. Dogs will be their constant loyal companion which will help break down some of your kids’ barriers. They can also teach your child about responsibility which will help them process some of their feelings. Dogs can also teach your kids to empathize with their peers and will help them take other kids’ feelings into account.
6. Reduce your stress and anxiety
Dogs are used in therapy more than any other animal. There is an important reason for this decision. Spending just a few moments with a dog has been proven to lower blood pressure and anxiety while increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a massive role in an individual’s feeling of well-being and calmness. Dogs have shown to release tensions in the workplace and at home. People also perform better on stressful tasks when a dog is near.
7. Increasing your sense of purpose and meaning
Humans can lose a sense of purpose and meaning in their life as they age. Dogs help to remedy this feeling for the simple fact that they are needy. Dogs require their owner’s help to perform daily tasks such as using the bathroom, getting exercise, drinking water and eating. When you treat your dog well with high-quality products such as Dr Marty pets products, you know that your dog appreciates you and that you are helping them live their best lives. This neediness helps many owners to focus on their dog rather than their own problems. Dogs have also shown to help fend off cognitive decline as they help with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
8. Helping prevent allergies in your children.
In the past, doctors believed that pets contributed to a child’s allergies and actually made them worse. This has developed into a popular misconception that has since been debunked. Studies have proven that dogs actually help to reduce a child’s chances of developing pet allergies by up to 33%.
There are countless health benefits to owning a dog. Science is just beginning to uncover the amazing results that this relationship between human and canine has produced. Dr. Martin Goldstein is a leading expert in this field who has studied the bond between humans and their best friends for many years and many more to come.
