Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

Having pets can make a difference in your life and overall well-being. I don’t know about you, but when I get home, I feel like a rock star. My dog is so happy to see me, she brings me “gifts,” jumps all over the place, and runs throughout the house. I love it, it makes me feel happy after a long hard day at work, spending minutes petting her as she lays next or on me relaxes me. But there are other benefits that keep us non-furry animals healthy. HuffPost listed a few health benefits that you didn’t think of. So hit up your local animal shelter and adopt one.

Health Benefits of Dogs

Dogs can make your heart stronger. They can lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels. This can contribute to the better overall cardiovascular health and fewer heart attacks.

They keep you active. It’s recommended that adults should get about 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise a week. And dog owners are more likely to meet that recommendation. “People love to be outside to walk their dog, and be with their dog,” says Kay Joubert, Director Companion Animal Services at PAWS, a Washington-based animal advocacy organization. “It helps them be more active.” In older adults, they can experience lower body mass index, fewer doctor visits, and more frequent moderate and vigorous exercise” according to a study in the journal Gerontologist.

Losing a few pounds doesn’t hurt either, this can benefit both you and your dog. It makes it easier as dogs keep you at a moderate pace. It’s possible to lose up to 14.4 pounds in a year. Dogs will also see walks as “fun” rather than exercise as well, unlike us, so they’ll keep us going.  

People who get out with their pets are more likely to experience an improvement in their social interaction with others. Researchers have found that about 40 percent make friends more easily, possibly because of the vast majority—4 in 5, according to one British study—speak with other dog owners during walks.

Dogs and cats can lower children’s chance of becoming allergic to pets. They can also develop stronger immune systems. Back in the 90’s, experts thought pet caused allergies in young children. Probably why a lot of my friends didn’t have any type of pet. Dogs have also been trained to detect diseases and cancers; service dogs have contributed to saving their owners life by alerting them before having a seizer.

Special Place

Our pets hold a special place in our hearts and lives. They bring us meaning, purpose, and comfort. At Diamonds in the Ruff, you can trust that you special friend will be in good hands. If you don’t want to leave your pet home alone for hours while at work, we offer doggie daycare in a facility that your pet will be comfortable in and with a staff that will treat them like their own. If you're in need of pet boarding in Abilene, contact us or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com today.