As a child I always wanted a dog, but because we were always moving and renting a home we were never allowed to have one. It wasn’t until I was going through a terrible divorce that my sister surprised me with my first bundle of joy. Her name is Cupcake and she’s the light of my life (haha, I sound like a corny dog mom). But seriously, having a dog has changed my life, and I don’t think I will ever live my life without one again. They are more then just companions, they are part of our family! If you have a furry friend you can agree that there are so many reasons to thank them. And if your thinking about getting a dog, consider these 5 reasons how a dog will keep you healthy!
- YOU WILL EXERCISE MORE! This is a fact, even when Im feeling lazy and don’t wanna exercise, seeing your pup waiting at the door for his daily walk is motivation enough. Just a 30 minute walk with your dog a day can improve your health.
- YOUR LESS LIKELY TO BE DEPRESSED! You heard that right, dog owners are less likely to be depressed then non-pet owners. The love received from your dog and the interaction with them can help a person stay positive. Even just looking at your pet can increase the “feel good” chemical oxytocin.
- STRESS BE GONE! Ok maybe not ALL the way gone, however studies have shown that when people were managing a task, they were less stressed with there dogs by there side. Thats why therapy dogs are so effective in hospitals. We cant help but smile when our pups cuddle up to us or crawl into our laps.
- Having a pet is better then drugs! Even though ACE inhibiting drugs are used for reducing blood pressure, studies have shown that owning a dog is better then taking drugs because your more likely to have a healthy heart. In fact, dog owners are 4 times more likely to survive a heart attack! WOW!
- YOU WILL HAVE A BETTER IMMUNE SYSTEM! I know this one sounds crazy, but its proven! Dogs expose there owners to a heck of a lot of germs, which can build up our immunities to disease. In fact children who are raised with dogs are less likely to get allergies because they have an increased immunity to pet allergies later in life.
Of course owning a pet isn’t for everyone, it comes with a lot of work and responsibility (especially having 3 dogs like me). However, make no bones about it the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the drawbacks!
How does your furry friend keep you healthy? Would love to hear from you, comment below.
Hi, my name is Cecily and I have a dog named Stormy. My mom walks her every morning and I do every evening. My mom is 70 years old and she definitely is more healthy because of Stormy. She walks two miles every morning even if she doesn’t want to because Stormy needs her walk. Dogs are therapy too, because she pets her all day and that is good for your blood pressure and overall health. Everyone should have a dog..their love has no bounds!
Cecily! Its so nice to hear your mom is healthier because of Stormy =) haha..Our fur babies are our true companions and they give unconditional love..Thanks for commenting!