Benefits of Having a Dog

Are you considering getting a pet and can’t decide what pet you should get? Or you are trying to decide if you should get that dog you have been thinking about owning for years? As a pet owner of two dogs I can vouch for the benefits to owning a dog (or two).

People love their dogs. There’s a lot to love about having a dog, but there’s more to appreciate about your little friend than you realize.

Dogs are often referred to as great companions, but they do so much more for you than just keep you company. Everyone in your household can benefit from having a pet.

A dog provides far more benefits than meets the eye:

1. You always have a walking partner. It can be more enjoyable to walk with a companion. Dogs are always excited to go for a walk. Studies show that dog owners walk almost 25 minutes longer each day than non-dog owners. Having a pet can improve your health and fitness.

2. Your blood pressure will be lower. Having a pet that you find soothing has been shown to lower blood pressure. This can decrease the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

3. Dogs are great for kids. Kids adore dogs. Having a dog can help children to be more social, develop stronger immune systems, and learn responsibility. With the right dog for your family, your child always has someone to play with. The right dog for your family will depend on a few things including the size of your home. If you live in an apartment, getting a large dog that needs a lot of exercise may not be the best choice of a dog.

4. You have something to take care of. Life is more meaningful for many people if they have someone or something that relies on them. Cardiac patients with pets are four times more likely to survive for at least a year than those patients without pets. A pet can give your life a purpose.

5. Less stress. Spending time with a pet can increase oxytocin and other feel-good hormones in the body. It feels soothing to pet your dog.

6. Uplift your mood. Pets reduce the likelihood and severity of depression. If you’ve ever had a pet, you already know that you feel better after spending time with your pet. If you’ve never had a pet, what are you waiting for?

7. Greater social life. It turns out that dog owners have more active social lives. Most people like dogs, and dogs can reduce social tension. It’s easier to walk up to a stranger with a dog than one without.

8. Less pain. People that spend time with dogs after surgery use less pain medication after surgery than those who don’t. This benefit seems to extend to other situations as well. If you have chronic pain, having a pet that you love can help.

9. Someone to talk to. Pets are the perfect conversation companions. They’re interested in what you have to say. They never judge. And best of all is they don’t talk back when you are just looking for a good listener. There was even one study that found that intelligent people are more likely to talk to a pet.

10. A dog can help to keep you and your home safe. While a potential burglar might not be concerned with a cat or parakeet, most would-be intruders prefer to avoid homes with dogs. Even a small dog can make quite a lot of noise when something is wrong.

Owning a dog is a lot of fun, the added bonus to owning a dog is they don’t talk back, they don’t complain, they don’t judge, and they don’t leave you. All dogs are different, so remember to consider your needs, desires, and lifestyle before getting a dog for you and your family. A dog is a commitment and needs to be fed and walked every day, sometimes multiple times a day. So if you are someone who likes to travel, be sure to keep that in mind. It may be easier if you are a traveler to own a fish or a cat. Traveling with a dog is also an option. We have 5 questions you need to ask yourself before traveling with a dog.

Whether you like cats, fish, birds, rats, or rabbits, owning a dog has some great benefits. A dog can do a lot for your happiness, mental and physical health, and overall enjoyment of life!

Do you own a dog? If so leave a comment and let us know what kind of dog you own and if you would recommend owning a dog to others. I know I would.