Many pet owners attribute the benefits of their dogs to various health advantages. Staring into their eyes has been shown to increase oxytocin, the body’s natural feel-good hormone. Because of this effect, dogs are frequently utilized as therapy pets at hospitals, rehabilitation centers and senior care facilities.
But owning a pet has many other ways of enriching your life; continue reading to discover them all!
Reduces Loneliness
In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is challenging for many people to maintain their relationships. This isolation can lead to loneliness and depression, linked with poorer health outcomes. However, dogs can help reduce these feelings by comforting their owners. Dogs can provide companionship that reduces loneliness for their owners, especially older adults, those living alone and those who experience mental health conditions.
Interacting with dogs has been shown to boost levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin and form bonds of love between us and them. Having a dog provides a sense of responsibility that can make someone lonely and busy. Walking, feeding, and playing with their pet is a great way to get outside in the fresh air, meet people, and feel a part of a community.
Studies conducted by researchers have also indicated that those who own dogs are more likely to meet the daily physical activity requirements for physical wellness, by taking their pup for walks or joining other pet parents at parks for fun activities like playing fetch.
Reduces Stress
Whether petting your puppy or simply spending time with him, just a short interaction can significantly reduce your blood pressure and the hormone cortisol, which increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. This is why many people who own dogs report feeling less stressed, even when they’re busy or anxious.
Dogs or French bulldog puppies for sale are also empathetic and provide comfort when we need it, which is why more hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and prisons are incorporating animal-assisted therapy programs into their operations. Even if you can’t have one of your own, volunteering to walk someone else’s pet or fostering one of the rescued puppies at a shelter may bring similar rewards.
Pet ownership also encourages physical activity through walking and playing games with your pup, such as walking and engaging in games with them. Physical activity helps lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol levels and boost endorphin production – all benefits which contribute to heart health. Studies have indicated that those owning pets have 24% lower risks of death from all causes compared with those without pets; those living alone and owning dogs had even lower risks (33% lower) of heart disease!
Increases Fitness
Most pet owners know that their furry companions increase their quality of life. However, only some know that pets also help boost their fitness.
One way that dogs do this is by encouraging exercise. Walking a dog is an excellent form of exercise. Studies show that people who own dogs walk nearly triple the weekly minutes compared to non-dog owners.
Taking your dog on regular walks will also improve your heart health, blood pressure, and bone density. You can also play with your dog to improve your cardio and strength training. Use a dog water raft or a life vest to ensure your pup’s safety.
Puppies enhance our fitness in another way: strengthening immunity. According to studies, children raised around pets tend to get sick less frequently compared to those without pets; furthermore, exposure to puppies and other animals has been associated with improved immune function and decreased allergies among kids.
Gives You a Boost in Self-Esteem
The unconditional love and loyalty that dogs show their owners makes them a comfort. Studies show that pets can provide psychological support, making people feel good about themselves and more optimistic about life.
Children raised with pets tend to develop higher self-esteem and be less anxious. Furthermore, these kids tend to establish strong emotional foundations while learning empathy and responsibility from their pets. Furthermore, pet ownership also teaches children compassion and the value of giving back to the community.
As dogs require regular feedings, exercise sessions and potty breaks, owning one can provide you with structure and routine that can benefit both mental health and your overall well-being. Caring for your pup can also motivate you to participate in physical activities outside the house that reduce stress while raising moods.
Encourages You to Move
Pet owners tend to get more exercise than people without pets, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Pet owners walk more frequently and are less likely to have physical limitations that limit their movement.
The study surveyed 385 families in a neighborhood near Liverpool and tracked their movements using activity monitors. The researchers found that “dog owners were walking far more than those without dogs, and the amount of walking increased significantly over time.”
For many puppies, moving is a significant adjustment to their routines. They are used to eating simultaneously, sleeping at the exact times, and playing together on a specific schedule. Even an otherwise calm dog may become anxious when transitioning into their new home environment.
As soon as your pup begins walking or jumping on furniture, be sure to remain close by and ensure they spend as much time with you as possible. If work or other obligations necessitate leaving him or her at home alone for extended periods, bring the pet along or ask a trusted person to watch over him while you’re gone.
