A dog is considered man’s best friend for many reasons. Your faithful pet may love to go with you everywhere, keep you safe and snuggle with you. Dogs are not only fun to be around, but they have many health benefits as well. Find out how having a dog can help you feel better physically and mentally.
What dogs can do for your health
Dogs are helpful for keeping your child healthy. Having a dog in the home can train a child’s immune system and make him less likely to catch the common cold or become diagnosed with asthma. Even though it was unheard of in the past to keep pet in the home if someone in the family has allergies or asthma, dogs have been proven to boost immune systems and keep children healthier.
On the other end of the age spectrum, dogs also make excellent companions for the elderly. Alzheimer’s patients with dogs are healthier than those without dogs. Owning a dog can provide companionship, which is essential for older people, who often become lonely.
Dogs can also aid in rehabilitation. After suffering from a serious illness or becoming disabled, dogs can help their owners with everyday activities.
Dog ownership is also good for the heart. Dog owners who suffer heart attacks are more likely to recover than those without dogs. They are also less likely to suffer from heart disease.
Dogs can encourage their owners to get more exercise. Dogs need to be walked and played with. Many dogs enjoy a vigorous game of fetch. Someone has to perform these duties, and it is often the adults or children in the family.
Dogs can help a person emotionally. A shy or lonely person may have trouble making new friends. However, dogs can help start a conversation. Bring a dog along with you the next time you run errands or go on a walk, and you are bound to attract attention. People naturally love dogs. In some cases, dogs have helped single people make love connections.
Dog owners are also less likely to suffer from depression or high blood pressure. Even those who worked in high-pressure situations felt calmer after having a dog in the home. This is because playing with a dog creates feelings of pleasure and calmness, similar to the effects that drugs have on the brain. Cuddling with your dog not only makes you feel better, but it can also help you better cope with stress.