As the old saying goes, dogs are man’s best friend. But did you know that not only do they provide companionship and love, but bring with them other health benefits? Check out this list, and if the idea of a furry companion wasn’t already appealing enough, you might just want to head out to your local shelter and find your friend for life!
1. Dogs are Allergy Fighters:
Studies have shown that children who were exposed to two or more dogs or cats as babies were less than half as likely to develop allergies, including dust, grass, ragweed and pet allergies, and were at a lower risk for asthma.
2. Dogs can be great for your heart:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have both conducted heart-related studies on people who have pets, and their findings showed that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which all reduce the risk of heart attack. In addition, those who had suffered heart attacks showed a better recovery rate, thought to be due to the fact that pets generally help reduce stress.
3. Dogs are great motivators to exercise:
Need that motivation to stay consistent with your exercise regime? Look no further than an active dog. They are always up for a walk or run, or even a good chase around the backyard. Their happy smile on walks/runs will keep you going, and maybe even make it fun. Look at it as an opportunity to have your own personal trainer! Not to mention additional exercise will help reduce stress by allowing you to blow off some steam.
4. Dogs can cure the blues:
Feeling down? Having a bad day? Look no further than a furry friend to help remind you that you always have a sense of purpose. On days of feeling loneliness, sadness, or even frustration, dogs are always there to provide that sense of unconditional love. This is one of the main reasons facilities such as nursing homes have pet therapy programs.
5. Dogs help us be social:
Whether you are taking a walk through the neighborhood, or visiting the local __dog park, __dog ownership provides the opportunity to meet new people you may otherwise have not. And as you become a regular at these same “dog owner” spots, you develop new relationships bringing added companionship and happiness to your life.
These are just a few, but some of the best reasons pet ownership is such a joy. What dogs bring into our lives is beyond measure; if you have the means and desire, they will be the best friend you’ll ever have!
Sarah Ingram is from Dayton, Ohio. She is the mom of 6 dogs, from a small Chihuahua/Pug mix, to a large Chocolate Lab! As a passionate animal advocate, she is a dedicated animal shelter volunteer, and enjoys visiting shelters across the State of Ohio and learning about their processes, procedures, needs, and ways to help. She is a volunteer with Rescue Me Ohio, as part of their education & advocacy team, sharing knowledge on topics in animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, spay & neuter, and many other important topics. She enjoys networking adoptable dogs from all over Ohio, which is one of the primary functions of her social media pages, Sarah’s Space for K9 Rescue & Awareness on Facebook & @SarahsSpace4K9s on Instagram, where she also shares helpful info for dog owners & important animal welfare issues.
