Dogs are said to be man’s best friend, the perfect companion. However, dogs offer a lot more than just companionship. Here are ten science-based benefits of owning a pup.
- Studies have shown that pet owners make fewer annual visits to the doctor than non-pet owners, even after taking into consideration gender, age, marital status, income, and other health related factors
- Dogs make us feel less alone, they offer unconditional love and emotional support which helps to combat social isolation
- Research studies have found that pet owners have significantly lower heart rates, arterial pressure, and systolic blood pressure, suggesting better cardiovascular health
- Dogs help us recover psychologically from a crisis. It has been shown that military veterans with PTSD do better physiologically and psychologically when they have a service dog
- Owning a dog encourages you to move more. A 2019 British study found that dog owners are nearly four times likely than non-dog owners to meet daily physical activity guidelines
- You are less likely to get sick. As mankind, and cleaning products, have evolved, we are now exposed to a less diverse mix of bacteria, which interferes with our microbiome. However, dogs are covered in bacteria which means certain bacteria are reintroduced to the homes of pet owners, resulting in dog-related biodiversity
- Owning a dog can also mean that you become more resistant to allergens
- Dogs make us more social. Walking with your dog gives people a conversation starter, meaning you are more likely to meet new people while out walking
- They can help you find love. A series of studies found that men were more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them. Similarly, another study found that men and women are more likely to swipe right when they use a profile photo showing their pet
- Dogs make us happier. Staring into your dog’s eyes raises your level of oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone’
Up next, The benefits of dog walking.