True Friend: 8 Benefits of Having a Dog
If you’re one of those people who don’t understand big dog fans or you don’t want to adopt a dog fearing that your new furry friend will bring too much trouble, we have something to share with you as we have collected eight eloquent arguments of science-based advantages of owning a dog. There’s a possibility that these arguments will make you change your mind about dogs; and you will want to adopt one to make your life happier.
Perpetuum Mobile
Dogs need to walk, and that gets us moving. There are several studies showing that people with dogs tend to get more exercise than those without a canine companion. Those long treks along sidewalks, trails, and paths add up. Even a lazy dog owner will become much fitter thanks to their furry friend. So, dogs don’t just fill your heart; they actually make it stronger. Studies show that having a canine companion is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels, which contribute to better overall cardiovascular health and fewer heart attacks. What’s more, dog owners who do have heart attacks have better survival rates following the events. Health experts recommend that adults get about 2 hours and 30 minutes worth of moderate exercise per week. Dog owners are way more likely to hit that goal. In turn, that activity helps us remain mobile into our 70s and 80s. Older adults who walked dogs experienced lower body mass index, fewer activities of daily living limitations, fewer doctor visits, and more frequent moderate and vigorous exercise. So, dogs help us live a longer and healthier life.
No Depression
A recent study revealed that looking into Fido’s eyes triggers a release of oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle” or “love hormone”. This substance enhances our sense of bonding and well-being. In another investigation involving seniors, people over 60 that live alone were 4 times less likely to become depressed if they had a pet than if they didn’t live with a furry friend. Our sensitive four-legged companions always try to cheer us up if we’re sad, come for a hug and make you play with them. Even their little tricks help us relieve stress. If your pooch has chewed up your glasses or knocked down a plant, most probably you won’t get angry as these guilty yet playful eyes belong to the most devoted creature in the whole world.
Boosting Our Immune System
Science has proven that if a baby grows up with a pet, it helps them strengthen their immune system and make their bodies less prone to allergic agents including fur, pollen, house dust mites, dust itself and many others.
Mutual Personal Development
One of benefits of owning a dog is development of the responsibility. Dogs are creatures of habit. They thrive on a schedule for feeding and exercise. Being responsible for a pet can give people a sense of achievement that helps them stay balanced. And routines in our lives also benefit our health.
Reducing Loneliness
Dogs offer us unconditional love and a warm greeting when we come home. Caring for a pet helps us to feel needed and overcome our loneliness. What’s more, most people talk to their furry friends and may use them as sounding boards to work through problems. Moreover, walking with a canine companion can make us more approachable and give people a conversation starter. Think about how many times you’ve talked with other people, whether they’re your neighbors or new friends at the dog park. Researchers have found that about 40 percent of dog owners had an easier time making friends. Dogs are the perfect way to get to know strangers and form new friendships.
Reliable Protection
One way that dogs can help boost security in the home is by their heightened senses. Our pups will hear and smell a person long before we do. As a matter of fact, their sense of smell is 10,00 times stronger than it is for humans. In addition, some breeds, such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, appear more menacing to strangers. Their mere presence can deter intruders.
Interesting Facts
This may be surprising, but one psychological effect that dogs have on people is they can help us think faster on our feet. By taking care of a pet, we get daily practice at making decisions. This mental training builds the ability to think more rapidly, and it can carry over into other areas of your life. Moreover, your four-footed companion will help you overcome emotional barriers and learn how to express love and tenderness. These cute Fidos are simply irresistible and you’ll definitely caress them.
Beauty of Your Life
We have already understood that our furry friends bring happiness into our lives and don’t allow us to get bored. But they also can become the most beautiful images on your social network pages. Take photos and make videos of your babes. Or go even further and order a creative wall art from PopArtYou. You can choose any template showing your pooch as an aristocrat in a royal background, a celebrity, cowboy, sports star or even policeman or superhero. There is a wide choice of templates available so you can choose a portrait which will suit the personality of your furry friend best of all. Send a photo of your dog and PopArtYou designers will add it into the artwork of your choice creating a unique pet portrait.
If you aren’t ready to welcome a dog into your house, you can visit a dog shelter and communicate with pups there. Volunteers will be happy to receive your support; and the time spent with pets will definitely make you happier!
