There are so many benefits to owning a dog, from boosting your mood to making you more confident. And, as you can see from this article, dogs can be a fantastic addition to your life! Nobody regrets getting a dog because of how much these little animals give us.
One of the best things about owning dogs is that they are incredibly loving and empathetic. They make such great companions, especially for lonely or sad people. They can offer protection and will always be there for you when you need them, which cannot be said about most people.
To properly highlight how dogs can help us, let’s focus on 5 things that directly impact how content we are every single day.
They Make You Social
Whether walking the dog or chatting with strangers, being a dog owner opens up new social opportunities. A recent survey found that dog owners were likelier to make friends than those without pets.
In addition, dog owners have lower anxiety and depression levels than those who don’t have a dog. They also have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and better heart health.
A big part of the reason why is that having a dog basically makes you move more. You have to take them out and it is inevitable that you are going to interact with other dog owners. This can happen at dog parks or even during your daily walks.
In addition, looking into a dog’s eyes can increase oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that helps form social attachments and generally makes you happier. It can benefit people who are shy or introverted and who find it hard to talk to strangers in public. Animal shelters like the ones operated by the Humane Society of New York and rescue organizations have fostered many human-animal love relationships.
They Make You Happy
One of the essential things dogs do for us makes us happy. They make you feel loved and supported, whether hugging or caring for you.
They also have a way of making you laugh. Often, they’ll wag their tails or bark in response to you laughing, which can also have a calming effect on you!
Petting a dog reduces stress and increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. They’re a natural mood booster and can help those living alone or struggling with depression.
This is exactly why dogs are so often used in therapy for people affected by depression. Some breeds are actually incredibly good at this, like the golden retriever. And it is so hard not to laugh when you see the many different goofy things a Belgian Malinois does.
Just make sure you learn all you can about the dog breed you are interested in getting. While all dogs can make you happy, there are breeds that will not be a good match for your way of being. As an example, a highly energetic dog will not be happy when you do not have enough time to give him what he needs.
They Make You Healthy
Dogs are known to be incredibly healthy, so much so that they are an excellent option for people who struggle with their weight or have health concerns. Studies show that dog owners often stick to their exercise routines more than those who don’t have a pet in their lives. This is a highly underestimated reason why owning a dog is such a great thing for humans.
That’s because dogs naturally help reduce stress levels, and they’re even known to lower blood pressure. And since stress is linked to various health problems, including heart disease and cancer, it’s easy to see how owning a dog can benefit your health.
As your stress gets lower, it is much easier to stick to your workout routines, which is very important for our health. And if you are lucky enough, your dog might join you. Some breeds are very smart and will copy you as you do yoga. Others can run more than you ever will and are perfect companions for jogging.
They Make You More Confident
Dogs are members of the mammalian family Canidae (also known as the dog family). They’re warm-blooded, breathe air with their lungs, produce milk to feed babies, and can give birth.
Confident dogs take on life’s daily stressors and bounce back from uncomfortable or scary situations without much fuss. For example, they don’t cower when a pot crashes to the floor but instead run over and play with it. Obviously, some dogs are more scared than others but when they are around you, they will always feel safe. This will make you feel great because at the end of the day, you are helping a very close friend.
It is all a matter of confidence, which depends on nature and nurture. If your dog isn’t confident, there are things you can do to boost her self-esteem and build her courage.
They Make You Happier
Having a dog is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental health. They are excellent companions who can make you feel loved and cared for, so they’re a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress.
They also help you to be more mindful and present. Seeing your dog take in the world around them or just sitting with them at home can make you more conscious of what’s going on and how you feel.
They also lower your stress levels and increase your level of oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This hormone helps you form bonds, which generally makes you feel happier.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, there is no way to look at things differently than having a dog can instantly improve your life. And the truth is there are so many little wonderful pets out there that do need your help. Adopting is always the way to go. You would be saving a soul that will forever be your friend. The dog will improve your life in ways that you never imagined, like those highlighted above, together with many others you will discover yourself.
