Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” and for good reason! While they may be a lot of work, owning a dog can bring so much joy and love into your life. From improving your mood and health to providing companionship and a sense of purpose, there are many reasons why you should consider adding a dog to your family.
Improve Your Mood
One of the most well-known benefits of owning a dog is the way they improve our mood. Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals and have a unique ability to sense when their humans are feeling down or anxious.
They are fantastic at interpreting our emotional state and providing support when we need it most. Studies have shown that playing with a dog can increase the levels of the feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine in our brains, giving us a sensation of calm, peace, and happiness.
In fact, owning a dog has been shown to be beneficial to our mental health in many ways. The therapeutic effects of interacting with dogs have been well-documented, especially with people who have experienced trauma. Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than people without pets.
Having a furry companion can help to ease feelings of loneliness and provide companionship. After all, it is hard to feel sad or alone when a dog bounds up to greet you at the door or when they’re prancing about, hoping for a walk.
Improve Our Health
But it’s not just our mood that can be improved by owning a dog. Our physical health can benefit as well. Research has demonstrated that people with dogs may experience positive health effects, such as reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Dog owners also tend to visit the doctor less frequently, which can save money in the long run.
One reason that dogs can make us healthier is because they require regular exercise, which means that their humans exercise alongside them. Taking your dog out for a walk or run is a great way to get some exercise every day.
A dog’s daily exercise needs help people to meet their health goals, forcing pet owners to get out of the house no matter what the weather is like and giving them an incentive to get in shape. It has been shown that dogs can help people lose weight, even without changing their diet. A daily walk can have a significant impact on your health, including lowering your weight.
Improve Connection
In addition to improving our mood and health, owning a dog can also help us to connect with the world around us. Whether you walk your dog around the neighborhood, at a park, or on a trail, you are likely to meet other dog owners and have opportunities to socialize. This can be especially beneficial for people who may be shy or have trouble making friends.
Children and Dogs
For children, owning a dog can be an incredibly positive experience. Dogs can help children form healthy relationships, providing them with a constant companion who is not critical and is always supportive. Dogs help kids to relax, giving them a source of calmness through petting and cuddling. They also provide a source of incredible happiness for kids.
Children with challenges such as hyperactivity or aggression can be calmed by the presence of a dog, provided that both the child and the dog have been trained to behave properly around each other. Kids who grow up with pets have a lower risk of allergies and asthma. They tend to learn responsibility and compassion by caring for pets.
Finding Professional Pet Care Near You
Every responsible pet owner needs options for taking care of their dog when they are out of town, at work or otherwise unable to provide love and attention to their dog.
Pet care professionals can help meet these needs, providing pet sitting and dog walking services at a reasonable cost to help make sure that your dog is well cared for even when you are otherwise engaged. If you would like to know more about how Paw Pals can help you take care of your dog or other pet, contact us today!
