10 Benefits Of Having A Dog (according To Science)
Those of us who have or have had a dog know that its presence can make us tremendously happy
This fact is demonstrated in the II Scientific Analysis of the Affinity Foundation on the Bond between People and Petswhich for its research has had a sample of 6,000 subjects, and which states that 74% of the Spanish population assures that living with a dog makes or would make them happier
Half of Spanish families, 43%, live with a pet in their home. The dog is the favorite pet. And of course, over time, the emotional caregiver-pet connection becomes visible. According to the data from this study, 31% of Spaniards consider their dog or cat more important than their friends. Additionally, 71% say they communicate regularly with their pet.
Dogs are great friends and are the favorite pet for many because they make them loved. Dogs treat us in a particular way, without judging us.
But, What benefits does having a dog at home offer? How does this domestic animal affect our health? Below we present a list of the 10 benefits that having a dog brings you, both on a psychological level and in other important aspects of your health and well-being.
All of you who have dogs will have enjoyed those afternoons walking with them Other pets provide many benefits, but it is not very common to take a cat (who usually enjoys greater freedom) or a rabbit for a walk. Dogs need to leave the house to relieve themselves several times a day, and they need long walks to enjoy a healthy life. Accompanying them on these walks also benefits you, since walking is an excellent aerobic exercise.
Did you know that walking helps you sleep better, increases life expectancy or reduces the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s? If you want to know more about the benefits of walking, you can consult this article.
2. A more active social life
But going for a walk with the dog is not only an excellent opportunity to lose weight and enjoy greater cardiovascular health thanks to physical exercise. But it is also a great opportunity to meet new people.
The parks where dogs usually go to run are full of people who enjoy the same hobby as you: having a pet. Could it be an excellent opportunity to flirt? Who knows. It depends on you.
3. An excellent therapeutic tool
Within the Animal Assisted Therapies (TAA), The animal that is most used is the dog, as it is a pleasant pet that provides many psychological, social and physical benefits. Children, adolescents, elderly people, mentally ill people, etc. benefit from the company of dogs. because they are a therapeutic resource that helps achieve benefits and improvements in people.
4. Better cardiovascular health
Having a dog improves your cardiovascular health. Not only because it allows you to exercise, but because the simple act of petting a dog reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
Research carried out in China found that dog owners have the lowest cholesterol levels and are more likely to survive a heart attack.
5. You will be less stressed
There have been a large number of studies that have shown that dogs decrease stress levels. Pet your dog, play with it or The simple act of noticing their affection can reduce your stress level on a daily basis Science shows that having a dog reduces the stress-related hormone cortisol.
6. You will feel more confident
Dogs can be an effective security system, because in addition to alerting you to the presence of strangers with their barking, dogs are also protective of their owners. Surely if you need help, he will be there to protect you. Without a doubt, dogs increase your feeling of security.
7. It makes you happier
Dogs are a perfect company because they are there for us in good times and bad. In fact, loneliness can increase the risk of death and dogs are not going to leave you alone.
Researchers have shown that dog handlers tend to suffer less from depression, since being in the care of these animals provides valuable company and helps people to be more positive. As we said at the beginning of the article, 74% of the Spanish population claims that living with a dog makes them happier. The data speaks for itself.
8. It makes you resistant to allergies
Although dogs can be the worst nightmare for those who are allergic to these pets, Growing up in a house with dogs helps children develop fewer allergies throughout their lives
This is what a study carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Cincinnati states. Interestingly, cats have the opposite effect: they increase the likelihood of developing allergies.
9. They entertain you
Dogs can be a lot of fun and can give you great times. In fact, already at an early age, children enjoy the company of these pets.
As we get older, having a partner with whom we can go for a walk on the beach, run or just play with the ball a little, it entertains us and allows us to spend great moments with it
10. It makes you responsible
Having a dog is a great responsibility Therefore, having a dog as a pet can help you learn great life lessons. They have to be fed, taken out to relieve themselves, they need to be educated, etc.
Having a dog requires discipline, motivation and also requires correct financial management. Unfortunately, there are people who buy one on a whim and then realize that a dog needs to be cared for. That is why it is important to send one last message: let’s love dogs just like they love us
