Did you know that owning a dog might keep you healthy, or healthier? Read our collaborative post to find out more.
They say that dogs are more than just pets, they are also your best friend and playmate. It is true to say that dogs can be very affectionate and friendly, however, did you realize that they can also keep you fit and healthy? Obviously we know that service dogs help humans, but if you don’t need that but just own a normal dog, you may be surprised to know they are good for your health too.
If this is the first time you have owned a dog, you may be surprised at the number of ways your four-legged friends can keep you in good shape.
Regular Exercise
The most obvious is probably one of the most important. Having a dog, even one that doesn’t require a lot of exercise, makes you more likely to get out and about then someone without a dog. A study showed that on average, people with dogs walked 300 minutes a week, compared to 168 for non-dog owners.
You don’t have to walk quickly or jog in order to get the benefit. Just a gentle walk once or twice a day is enough to get you, fitter.
They Can Boost Your Mood
It is easy to see that your dog can have a positive effect on your mood. When you play with a puppy, you will instantly get a feeling of calm and happiness. Even a few minutes of petting a puppy releases many hormones into your system including serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin.
As you and your puppy get older, you create a bond of friendship that also helps to increase your mood and lower stress. Also, the feeling of caring for something, feeding them and giving them treats like those by Betsy Farms makes you feel responsible for another living thing.
They Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
It might sound amazing, but having any pet, especially a dog, can lower your blood pressure. It is thought that the process of stroking and feeling the touch of your dog, is the key to it helping your blood pressure remain steady.
It isn’t just petting that can make you feel calmer and lower your blood pressure, it is also the feeling of companionship as well.
They can Boost Your Immune System
Another unusual fact comes from a study of over 400 children. They found that those who were around dogs were less likely to get sick than those who weren’t. It is thought that when vacuuming the home, you spread bacteria that the dog carries in on their fur from the outside.
It might not sound very nice, but there is evidence that it can boost your immune system and keep those bugs away.
There are many other things that dogs can do to help you, some of them are now being used to help dogs detect changes before they would normally be found. For example, dogs can smell when a person’s blood sugar drops. It could be a life-saving skill for a dog with an owner who has diabetes.
Dogs are far more than just pets, for many they are another member of the family and a friend in those sad times.