"Even basic walking is one of the best … All breeds of dog need regular, daily walks in order to stay happy and healthy, and so do we! 1. In addition to helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness, there are all the benefits that come from having to exercise a dog. And a Purdue researcher found that 97 percent of respondents talk to their pets. 4. You may also be interested in: Benefits of Having a Cat for Children. Giving each child an animal to care for develops responsibility and kindness like no other method does. Read on and discover the 10 benefits of having a dog; we hope we will convince you to adopt a dog from a shelter or pound, as they really need you. How pets can impact your health. In the first few weeks, the pungent aroma as you approach your living room will no longer be a surprise. And what happens when you lead a healthier life? In a society on industrialized countries, prosperity increases, declining birth rates, and loose family ties make pets play a more important role psychology. Contents. The affectionate and loyal nature of dogs as pack animals that form close relationships with their owners can help sufferers of depression, who may feel like they don’t have anybody else. Having a dog may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are heroic dogs that have saved lives and are very common in the police department due to their ability to detect criminals and weapons. Believe it or not, having an animal can even have an impact on your social life… in a good way. And while having a dog will do wonders for your dating life, a whopping 90 percent of single women said that men who own a cat are “nicer” than other guys. Owning a dog teaches a child empathy and a respect for life. Photo: Shuttertstock Being a single (co-parenting) mum to three busy kids, getting a dog is the last thing I want to do. For example, one study found that people who acquired a dog reported fewer minor health problems and rated themselves as healthier than non-pet owners, up to 10 months later. There are so many benefits of having a dog in your life, but for me the biggest is that Bowie brings so much joy & happiness! In the Waltham Pocket Book of Human-Animal Interactions there is a wealth of evidence to suggest that the physical benefits of having a dog can lead to a longer, healthier life. Some specific potential benefits of owning – or even being near – companion animals include: Fewer feelings of loneliness: A survey by the American Veterinary Association found that nearly 50 percent of respondents considered their pets to be companions, while only two percent thought of them as property. 1. The unconditional love a dog shows you on a daily basis whether it is running and jumping of joy when you come home or wanting to lay in your lap after a stressful day are constant mood boosts. Therapeutic benefits: Having a cat can release oxytocin in your body, the hormone known for inducing feelings of love and trust. Getting out a few times a day with your dog can help you not only meet people, but also incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Data from 5,191 children were included in the study; 2,236 lived in homes with a dog or cat, and 2,955 lived in households that did not include any animals. We take a look at ten of the benefits of having a furry friend. More compatibility … Small dogs are easier to groom And you already know about the incredible benefits of exercise, from the emotional -- more confidence and lower stress levels -- to the physical, like a stronger heart, lower blood sugar, more restful sleep, lower cholesterol and better memory. Q&A with Julie Lythcott-Haims: The Effects Of Overparenting. As dog lovers have long suspected, owning a canine companion can be good for you. Dogs reduce anxiety and stress. Some of these benefits probably come from dog owners’ higher levels of physical activity. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower pulse rate. For instance, the Mayo Clinic study found that dog owners are more likely to eat a healthy diet. A dog is the pet of the most preferred and commonly referred to as a … Step aside, kitties! They found that after a 12-minute visit, patients exhibited improved cardiopulmonary pressures, healthier neurohormone levels, and less anxiety. And just like taking care of a toddler, a dog especially a pup means loads of poop and pee. In fact, two recent studies and analyses published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a scientific journal of the American Heart Association, suggest your four-legged friend may help you do better after a heart attack or stroke and may help you live a longer, healthier life. Interestingly, pets can serve as a barrier … Having a dog in the house is similar to having a toddler in the house. This benefit is seen most in dog owners, since dogs are high-energy. They frequently need to go on walks or runs, and if your dog is walking, then so are you. Benefits of Having a Pet. However, as soon as you adopt a dog, you have another life who is depending on you to establish and maintain that routine. In a 2007 study performed out of UCLA, researchers provided therapy dogs for patients hospitalized with heart failure. Having a small dog is a great way of meeting people! 6. Routine exercise can be hard for non-dog owners to commit to. Whether you already have a dog or you’re considering adding one to your family, you’ve come to the right place! Pet-Owning Kids Are Generally Better Off 4. And that's great news, because there are lots of reasons having a pet is good for your health. While the benefits of owning a pooch are virtually endless , we’ve dug into the research, powwowed with devoted dog owners, and compiled a list of 17 advantages of having a canine to love. If you have more than one child in your home, that alone might be reason enough to have a second dog. While pets have been seen as an employee-only benefit in the past, factors that positively affect employees correlate with improved office morale, absenteeism, and a healthy work-life balance. In addition, a study found that children with autism were more likely to be less … Socialising with other dogs can help your pet’s own social skills and provide stimulation – especially if they are the lone dog in your household. ; Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or anything in between, pet ownership can be an adventure. Yes, a dog is possibly the best … Humans with dogs recover more quickly from illnesses. 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