7 Ways Dogs Positively Affect People’s Lives
7 Ways Dogs Positively Affect People’s Lives
Owning a dog can bring a whole host of benefits. In addition to companionship, having a four-legged friend by your side can improve your overall health.
With that, here are seven ways dog positively affect our lives.
Dogs help to:
- Reduce stress
We can’t think of a better way to improve your mental health.
Some studies show that the mere presence of dogs can decrease stress levels and make you happier. Whether you’re petting your dog on the sofa, playing with your animal in the yard, or watching your pup take a power-nap, the stress-reduction benefits are expansive.
- Increase physical activity
It’s no secret that dogs need exercise. By having a dog in your life, chances are you’ll be more active too.
You may choose to hike with your pet, or go swimming (safely, of course—and only if your dog feels comfortable in the water). Maybe you’ll simply step outside together and run around the lawn. Whatever you decide, we guarantee owning a dog will kick your physical health up a notch.
- Eliminate allergies
Though dog dander may trigger allergies in some people, children in dog-owning households are less likely to develop allergies.
A 2017 study published in the scientific journal Microbiome revealed that the advantages linked to dog exposure may begin as early as gestation. Children who grow up around dogs tend to test positive for two healthy bacteria—Oscillospira and Ruminococcus—that lower the risk of asthma and a number of common allergies.
- Promote good physical health
Generally speaking, dog owners face fewer health issues. They tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than their non-dog-owning counterparts, and the germs involved in owning a dog help to increase immunity.
As it turns out, some dogs may even save your life. There are a number of anecdotes—many of them backed by research—involving pets that have helped their owners detect cancer.
- Protect you from outside threats
Dogs are essentially built-in home security. Their sense of smell is second-to-none, not to mention their hearing, and they detect outside threats quickly.
Loyal and devoted, they’ll go out of their way to protect their humans. So if you hear your dog barking at night, or behaving in a strange way, it may well be nothing—but it could be something. And in either case, you should reward your dog for being perceptive and attentive to your safety needs.
- Improve your social life
People who spend a lot of time out and about with their dogs tend to have vibrant social lives. Others are more likely to stop and talk when you’re out walking a dog. Additionally, visiting the dog park or beach with your pet is a natural conversation starter.
Still not sold on the idea that there are social benefits to dog ownership? One study indicates that people with dogs enjoy closer, more supportive personal relationships across the board.
- Encourage empathy
Empathy is crucial to our emotional health. It helps us relate to others and better understand ourselves.
This too is where owning a dog may come in. Research shows that young people who grow up around pets are generally more compassionate toward animals, allowing them to better regulate their own emotions as well. This leads to more positive attitudes for the person, the pet, and even other people.
These are just some of the reasons we think you’ll be happier with a dog in your life. For more information on the benefits of having a dog, please contact us. Dizzy Dog Collars offers pet accessories and other items you and your animal will love.