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Fido is more than man’s best friend. Research leads us to believe that dogs not only make us happier, but they can even boost our health and emotional wellness! As if you needed another reason to keep your furry friend close! Dogs offer companionship, affection, and an excited (or drooling) face to come home to every day. Here’s exactly how dogs make us healthier and provide emotional support, as proven by science!
Dogs Encourage Exercise
Whether having a dog gives you the motivation to get off the couch and go on daily walks or play in the backyard, dogs inspire active lifestyles. Research shows people who own dogs are more likely to be active than those who don’t! This is good news for the health of dog owners since it helps reduce disease, boost cardiovascular health, and promote weight loss! Who could say no to a walk when your dog looks so cute waiting by the door? Even adding as much as 30 minutes of extra exercise a week can make a big difference in overall health.
Owning a Dog Can Lower Allergy Risks
You might think having a dog would promote the risk of allergies, but science says otherwise. While many people are allergic to dogs, having one in the house while growing up is shown to lead to lowered allergies later in life. This process is known as “allergic sensitization,” and it means that those who are exposed to dog or cat allergens early in life have half the chance of developing antibodies to dog or cat allergens. It turns out having a dog can actually reduce the chance of allergies!
Dogs Lead to Better Mental Health
Mental health is essential in this busy, digital age. As things seem to be speeding up, dogs help us slow down. Pet owners are shown to be happier overall than non-pet owners. Anyone with a dog already knows this to be true! Dogs affect us on a deeper level than we think. Having a dog can show changes in blood chemistry such as lowered stress hormones! Believe it or not, these positive effects are proven to be faster than the results of any drugs!
Aside from providing an overall boost in mental health, dogs also make great therapy pets. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or another medical health disorder, a therapy dog can provide a level of everyday comfort. Fido might be the best medicine for your mental wellness!
Health Benefits of Having a Dog
Finally, people with dogs are known to be happier than those who don’t have dogs. As we all know, being happy goes a long way in keeping you healthy. You might have heard the term “puppy love,” but you probably didn’t know it could be taken so literally! Dogs release the “feel good” hormone known as serotonin. This is why you feel so happy and relaxed when you’re with your favorite furry friend!
Embrace Health and Embrace Your Dog!
Your dog impacts your life in more ways than you think! Fido is just what the doctor ordered, and he’ll keep you feeling your best for years to come! As science continues to research the impact of dogs on our health and wellness, it becomes clear man’s best friend is here to stay.
