I just spent the last half hour playing with my dog, and I realized my mood significantly increased from earlier on in the day. I don't know how anyone could resist a smile as my dog, a ball of energy, runs and bounces throughout my house, or when she cuddles on the couch and looks up at you with those big, brown eyes. Whenever we enter the house, she jumps up and greets us with her little tail wagging, even if we were gone for only a minute to grab something out of the car. She is loyal to her core and full of love, eager to give and receive. It made me realize,
there are definitely health benefits to owning a dog. Just playing with my dog acts as a
mood elevator. No one makes me laugh as much as my dog does when she's running circles around me. How can something so happy and full of energy, not make you feel the same way?!
I also find owning a dog to be a
stress reliever. In a 2002 study at State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers found that when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them, as opposed to when a spouse, family member or friend was nearby. With the decrease of stress, there is also the decrease of blood pressure and other health risks.
Sometimes I just need to sit on the couch and relax with my dog curled up next to me, ready to relax with me (and be pet of course). It's soothing to have a nonjudgmental companion by your side while you are stressing over life's downfalls.
Dogs also
combat loneliness. As well as acting as a friend, dogs also teach people how to form relationships with others. Dogs epitomize the qualities of a true friend: loyalty, compassion, affection and love. Dogs also teach us how to react to body language, since they can't communicate to us verbally. Picking up non-verbal cues is an important aspect of interacting with others.
Dogs also
increase opportunities for socialization; whenever I bring my dog out with me, people always stop me in order to pet her and talk about our mutual love for dogs. I also can't really avoid people when walking with her because she feels the need to greet everyone who passes by.
Owning a dog can
increase your activity, too. Whether it's to throw a ball around or for a walk around the neighborhood, dogs encourage you to get up and move, which is beneficial to you and your pet. They help create regularity and structure in your daily routine.
For families with children, dogs can
help children develop. By creating a personal connection with their dog, children feel more confidant and able to express themselves to others. Owning a pet also
teaches responsibility and caring for someone besides themselves.
Dogs also help people be
more emotionally aware. Animals, especially dogs, react to their environments. They can react to the emotions you are portraying and can act as a portrait of yourself.
Clearly, I'm a huge fan of being a dog owner and of the unconditional love that dogs offer us.
Are you a dog owner? Do you agree with these statements? What are some other health benefits of owning a dog?
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Comments (17)
I was just thinking this the other day. Recently I have taken my husky out for runs in the morning. She gets so excited and happy! I've noticed that at first she wanted to run everywhere but now she sticks close to me, like a loyal pup. When we get home she is so happy and sits with me as I stretch. Her happy makes me happy! She sure puts me in a great mood and I try to do the same for her. =)
I'm not surprised. For me, my dog is my lifeline. He's why I basically stick around, and if it wasn't for him coming into my life when he did, I'd probably be dead by now. He goes everywhere I go.
I definitely agree, if I didn't have my dog and my cat I would be a lot sadder, and lonelier. I don't know how I'd ever live without having a pet
i'm more of a cat person. dogs are too needy for me. i might as well just have a kid, then at least i could get a tax credit.
We don't have any pets in the house (we have squirrel which comes into our garden my mum has named it Barney) also we get birds, foxes and badgers into our garden.
I think it because we go away on holiday and do not want to leave it to our neighbours to look afrer it.
I can't wait to get a dog. Once I get things situated, get an apartment and have a good money cushion underneath me, I think I'm going to go for it. I have a cat, and I love her to death, but I can't say she's the greatest of company. All the time, anyway. Although when she's just staring at me and purring, and purrs even harder when I talk to her, it definitely makes me feel 10x happier. =P
I love love love dogs, but I'm not at a point in which it'd be a good idea to get one. I hang out with other people's dogs instead :P
I want a dog so badly..and a cat! I can't right now with my housing situation, but some day..!
SO TRUE! I have become more active since getting our two dogs and my fiance, who has PTSD (from the military) said that having a dog has DEFINITELY helped his mood overall. And how could anyone NOT love dogs?! They are all so cute and cuddly!
I want to be a dog owner. I grew up with dogs. I miss my family dog all the time. But I work all the time. I live by myself, though, so, I could REALLY use a dog, just couldn't ever let myself do that to a dog, have them home alone most of the time.
I've been around cats since I was 2 years old, and I can't even imagine what a sad childhood I would have had without them. I had no friends for a long time, and I considered my cat to be my best friend. Without her I would have been absolutely miserable. When she passed away it nearly killed me.
But I like dogs, too. So long as they are well-behaved, quiet, and small. Big dogs scare me to death, and loud dogs annoy me to no end. But I agree with you about all the things you said. However, I don't think they only apply to dogs. Most can apply to cats and some other types of pets as well.
Pets are one thing that I will make sure to always have, because there is just nothing quite like the feeling of the unconditional love and exorbitant cuteness they provide without even trying. The people who say they are "not animal people" just make me so incredibly sad. They cannot comprehend what they are missing out on.
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I mean, you can't tell me these pictures aren't adorable. Those are 2 of my babies. <3
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i prefer cats
I love dogs and I've lived with one for... Well, ever. Recently my dog passed away and it's.... Ridiculously sad and lonely without him.
Unfortunately, it'll be a long while until I'm able to get another dog. Going in for basic training later in May, so that'll be a few months where I can't get one, then I have tech, then who knows how my schedule will be. I've heard that it'll probably be at least a year or even two until I'm even able to get one.
Shit sucks haha.
dogs are addictive. they put a smile on my face for no apparent reason. and for that, i love them. they are bundles of joy indeed.
I love it when my dog greets me when I come home. She is just so happy to see me, it make me happy. The stress of the day begins to melt away. Of course the kiss from my wife has something to do with that too! :)
I've had both cats and dogs before. I've never had a cat act happy to see me when I come in the door. It's always later, after I've settled down on the couch, that the cat comes and tells me it's time to pet her. I loved my cat, but a dog makes be happier.
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