A dog has been known as man’s best friend for a long time, but what it is about these pets that make life better for human beings?! Today we’re diving into the topic of dogs and the science-backed benefits of owning a dog.
Owning a dog means that you’re making a lifelong commitment to having this pet as part of your life. Dogs do live quite a while, typically 10-13 years. This means that while everyone can benefit from the science-backed reasons to own a dog, it’s not a decision to take lightly.
Improves Relationships
Dog owners have found that other people will come up to them and communicate about the dog, making this one of the best benefits of owning a dog. Dogs can provide a similar interest to human beings so that they make new friends with people who love dogs just as much as they do.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Dogs tend to know when their human needs to be cuddled or needs some support. This is when your dog will probably come to you and let you pet them while you’re suffering from a stressful situation. The simple act of petting your dog stops your mind from racing as you only focus on your dog at that moment.
Stave off Loneliness
If you’re a single adult or elderly person living alone, a dog makes all the difference in the world. People who live alone tend to buy a dog because they can talk to their dog, pet their dog, and enjoy quality time with their dog during times when they feel super lonely. Dogs have been proven to help stave off loneliness in the elderly and those living alone in this world for years.
Keep People Healthier
A dog can’t just sit inside and use a litter box to go to the bathroom, like a cat. This means a dog helps keep its humans healthier with daily walks and outdoor time. Most dog breeds need daily exercise, and most times that means their human is taking them outside for exercise. Daily exercise with your dog helps improve your mental and physical health to live a longer life.
Help Cope with Crisis
Dogs have been brought in for use in many crisis situations. Since dogs can bring a sense of calm during any situation, many military vets have access to a dog at military hospitals to help them cope with PTSD and eventually purchase their own dog to have at home.
Always research the dog breed and financial responsibility this dog will bring to your life before adopting or purchasing a dog for your family. We hope these benefits have helped shed some light on why people enjoy owning a dog at some point in their lifetime.