The Benefits Of Dog Ownership

Owning a pet, particularly a dog, can be good for your overall health.  In fact, there are many benefits to owning a dog. 

The Benefits Of Dog Ownership

Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease

Dog owners are known to have a lower risk of heart disease.  This is because they have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels compared to non-dog owners.  They also have greater psychological stability than non-dog owners because of the companionship provided by their dogs.  This can also help provide protection from heart disease.

Reduces Stress Levels

Walking with a dog can help soothe your nerves and help give you instant relaxation.  People who have dogs have been shown in studies to feel the impact of stressful situations far less than non-dog owners.  It is also known that dog owners report that they have fewer problems sleeping, fewer bouts of indigestion, and fewer headaches than people who don’t have dogs.

Increases Exercise

While some dogs are overweight or obese, many dog owners get up and get out everyday, taking their dogs for walks and runs.  This is good for their health, as well as their dogs.

Prevents Loneliness or Depression

By taking care of your dog, it can give you a reason to keep going even when things seem terrible as your dog still relies on you to take care of him.  Dogs are sometimes helpful as emotional support animals, too.  Emotional support animals provide therapeutic support to the disabled or elderly with their companionship and affection.

Improves Socialization

When you have a dog it’s almost impossible to be a complete hermit.  Your dog will make you go out even when you don’t feel like it.  Dogs are such friendly souls that your dog will probably encourage you to talk to someone that you might normally would not.

Improves Self-Esteem

Dogs are known to improve self-esteem in children as they provide unconditional love and attention which is critical at a young age.

Helps The Elderly

Elderly patients who have dogs make fewer visits to see the doctor.  This can be evidence of better health, but it also lowers health care costs. 

Help To Assist In The Grieving Process

Dogs are also known to help people get over a loss.  For older people, if they have a spouse who has died they are less likely to suffer deteriorating health if they are attached to their dog.

Helps To Assist The Disabled

For the disabled, dogs can help as service animals that are trained to help people with visual, hearing impairments, or other disabilities.  Dogs have worked as service dogs for the autistic and people with psychiatric disabilities, as well as people in wheelchairs.  Service dogs are highly trained animals and they provide amazing assistance for people who need them, allowing them to live better lives.

Provides True Friendship

Any dog owner can benefit from the friendship and love of a dog.  Your dog wants to be your best friend.  He will be with you when you wake up in the morning and follow you around all day long.  He wants to “help” you do everything you do during the day as he is truly interested in everything you do no matter how boring or silly it may be.  He listens to everything you say and tries to anticipate everything you might want.  When you go to bed at night, he’s right there next to you again.  Where else can you find a true friend like that?  A dog’s friendship and love may be one of the greatest benefits of owning a dog.