If you’ve been thinking about getting a puppy, you’re not alone.
Since the pandemic began in 2020, puppy adoptions have been skyrocketing. Some people are getting their puppies from a shelter. While others are getting them from breeder listing sites like texaspuppiesforsale.
But no matter where you adopt your puppy from, the research is clear: puppies are good for you. Here are some reasons why you need a puppy in your life.
Puppies Lower Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Studies have shown that when people interact with dogs and puppies, their blood pressure decreases and with that drop, their stress and anxiety levels lessen.
Some therapists also suggest that people who suffer from depression consider getting a dog as a companion.
They are good listeners, provide unconditional love, and genuinely enjoy being with their owners. Dogs can also help people who suffer from anxiety and depression get out of their house because they have to go on walks.
Puppies Can Help You Live Longer
Along with lowering your blood pressure and stress levels, puppies may help you live a longer life simply by being near you.
Studies have indicated that owning a pet has a positive impact on cardiovascular disease, allergies, stress, blood pressure, and psychological problems.
When older adults have a dog to care for, they tend to be healthier for longer as well, since they not only experience all the physical health benefits of owning a pet, but they also enjoy having another being to look after.
Puppies Release Feel-Good Hormones in Your Brain
When you see or interact with an adorable puppy (and, let’s be honest, they’re all adorable), your brain secretes “feel-good” hormones, which include oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.
These hormones are the same ones that give you a natural “high” when you are rewarded or experience something that you enjoy.
In other words, dogs just make you feel good. And when you are caring for another being, you’re also demonstrating to yourself that you have a purpose, which can also make you more content with your life.
Puppies Can Help You Make Friends
The social benefits of having a puppy are numerous. You can meet other dog owners at a dog park and easily strike up a conversation. You can get out and talk to your neighbors as you walk your dog around the area.
Having a pet is an instant conversation starter and just about everyone loves to talk about their pets. If you have been struggling to meet people or have just moved to a new town, adding a dog to your life can help you with that process.
You’ll still have to make an effort to make contact with others, but your puppy will break the ice in almost any situation, which means you don’t have to.
Puppies Keep You Active
When you have a puppy in the house, you don’t often get the chance to sit on your couch for hours at a time without ever getting up. Your puppy will need to go outside or for a walk several times during the day.
Plus, they’ll want to play with you and won’t take no for an answer. Adopting an especially active breed of puppy will go even further in helping you meet your fitness goals.
You’ll need to take your energetic puppy for a walk or run every day (sometimes more than once) and planning active outings so that your dog can be included will take priority over non-active experiences.
Even if you have a breed that doesn’t need a lot of exercises, you’ll still need to actively participate in training your puppy, which can be exhausting at first.
Getting up and taking your puppy outside every time you observe them needing to go can be tedious. But, it’s necessary and you’ll appreciate the movement your puppy adds to your life.
Puppies Teach Responsibility
Getting a family puppy is an excellent way to teach your children responsibility. Of course, you don’t want to completely turn over your puppy’s care to your kids, especially if they’re on the younger side.
But giving them specific jobs they can do to give the puppy what it needs will go a long way in teaching them how their actions affect another being.
Make sure the jobs you give your kids are age-appropriate (don’t have a toddler responsible for feeding the dog, for example), and add responsibilities as they grow together to keep your children engaged in the puppy’s development.
Puppies Can Help Your Kids Learn
When children struggle in school, their self-esteem and confidence can take a hit. Adopting a dog into your family can reverse these negatives.
Your child can regain their confidence by taking care of your puppy (or at least taking responsibility for certain tasks) and they can practice new skills by reading out loud or reciting memorized facts to their pets.
Children instinctively know that their dog won’t judge them the way other kids might and they will take advantage of this unconditional love by taking risks they might not otherwise take.
Puppies Can Help With Allergies
Certainly, getting a dog that sheds may not be a good idea for a household that has someone with dog allergies living there.
But, if no one has allergies and there are young children present, getting a dog may actually prevent them from developing an allergy as an adult.
Studies have shown that being exposed to dog fur at a relatively young age for a long period of time can lessen the risk of developing allergies later on in life.
If there is someone in the house who already suffers from allergies, there are dog breeds that have hypoallergenic fur that these allergy sufferers can usually tolerate well.
Puppies Are Just Plain Fun
Even people who say they aren’t dog lovers people tend to find puppies cute and loveable. They are fun to be around and can bring out people’s playful sides.
Who doesn’t love playing? Puppies will make you laugh and we can all use a good laugh right about now.
Conclusion
With all these benefits to getting a puppy, you might be tempted to run right out and adopt the first one you see. We certainly wouldn’t blame you!
But, it’s better that you take some time to research the many breeds that are available to ensure you find the right fit for you.
