Dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and they are a man’s best friend. However, one of the most important benefits is that they provide a vital and unique service to our health. Dogs can help promote our overall health, such as giving the much-needed exercise and aiding in therapy. Here are the five primary reasons why owning a dog is good for your health.
1. A Built-In Exercise Partner
Owning a dog offers an opportunity to get regular exercise each day without any additional effort. Taking a walk with them provides a perfect excuse for remaining active. You can also play with them and enjoy leisure time in the process.
The benefits of remaining active are well documented. It can help you stay fit, avoid obesity, improve your heart’s activity and reduce cholesterol levels.
2. Service Dogs Have the Capability of Preventing Injuries and Saving Lives
There are two types of dogs, emotional dogs and service dogs. Emotional dogs are the typical pets that live indoors and are house trained.
Service dogs are always off-leash anywhere that humans go. They can also be trained to help people living with disabilities. Service dogs have the capability of helping the blind navigate paths and cross busy roads, hence enabling them to avoid injuries.
3. A Bedtime Buddy
Have you got trouble falling asleep? Having a dog in bed can help you fall asleep faster, provide added warmth and reduce anxiety.
Dogs are a great source of unconditional love and affection. Studies have also shown that people with dogs tend to sleep more than those without them. Dogs seem to sense when it’s time for us to hit the sack, perhaps via our breathing patterns or body language changes, such as when we lay down on the bed.
4. Dogs Can Provide a Natural Way of Lowering Blood Pressure Levels
In addition to providing a daily dose of exercise, dogs can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who own therapy dogs have lower blood pressure levels. This is perhaps because of their calming effects. It is believed that they help release endorphins and thus enhance positive emotions.
5. Loneliness Busters and Dog Therapy
Dogs can help with many anxiety problems and depression issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Therapy dogs also help lower stress levels, improving your health in several ways. Stress lowers the body’s immune system, increases tension, and the risk of heart disease and depression.
Dogs offer a diverse range of benefits to people, some of which are not readily available through other means. They provide a vital and unique service to our health, preventing the onset of high blood pressure conditions and lowering cholesterol levels. Dogs are, without a doubt, one of the best pets you can have, and if you think you’re ready to handle the responsibility, look into getting a dog to help keep your health in check.