We all love our dogs, but did you know it's been proven there are many ways in which dogs are good for their owner's health?
Numerous studies have shown that having a dog can lead to physical, mental, and emotional benefits. There are some fairly obvious reasons for this, but there also recent findings that are quite surprising!
Physical Health Benefits
One of the most noticeable health benefits of owning a dog is the positive impact it has on physical activity.
Dogs need regular walks, and as dog owners, we are likely to get more exercise. Daily walking or playing with your dog can help you meet the recommended levels of physical activity, which is vital for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Walking also helps in controlling weight, and reducing the risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
In fact, research has shown that dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than non-owners.
Owning a dog can also lead to improved heart health. A 2019 study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, found that dog owners have a lower risk of dying from heart disease.
Mental and Emotional Health Benefits
The mental health benefits of owning a dog are significant.
Dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Interacting with a dog can trigger the release of oxycotin, the "love hormone," which helps reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Simply petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and provide a calming effect, creating a sense of comfort and companionship.
For people dealing with depression, dogs can offer emotional support. Dogs are non-judgmental and provide unconditional love, which can make a person feel less lonely and isolated. Taking care of a dog can also give people a sense of purpose and routine, encouraging them to engage in daily activities like getting out of bed, feeding the dog, or going outside.
Dogs are also great at fostering social connections. Walking a dog can encourage interactions with other people. Interacting with neighbours or other dog owners helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness.
In some cases, dogs even become social catalysts, helping their owners meet new people and forge friendships. Did you meet your soul mate in the dog park?! We would love to hear your stories.
Dogs have a unique ability to sense human emotions, often providing comfort when their owner feels sad or anxious. Therapy dogs are used in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, to help reduce anxiety and improve mood in people going through difficulties.
For those who live alone, a dog can be a powerful source of emotional stability. They offer unconditional love and loyalty, making people feel needed and valued. The routine and responsibilities of caring for a dog can help build self-discipline and emotional resilience.
Dogs' Surprising Effect on our Immune System
Early exposure to dogs has been linked to a lower risk of allergies and asthma in children. Early exposure to pet dander and bacteria can help to strengthen a developing immune system. Perhaps surprisingly, the same has not been found to be true for cat ownership.
Dogs have over 600 type of bacteria in their saliva. There is a fine line between the risks and rewards of exposure to these microbes. Research in Veterinary Science noted that pet owners tend towards having a favourable balance of healthy bacteria in their gut. These bacteria prevent the overgrowth of disease causing microbes in the intestines.
There is even an association between the prevention of Crohn's disease and dog ownership. A recent study showed that dog owners have lower inflammation markers in their body.
There may be more ways that dogs are good for our health, please let us know if we've missed anything in this post!
Robin Logan,
RSHom