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People love their dogs. There’s a lot to love about having a dog, but there’s more to appreciate about your little friend than you realize.
Dogs can be great companions, but they do so much more for you than just keeping you company.
Everyone in your household can benefit from the presence of a dog.
A dog provides far more benefits than meets the eye:
1. You always have a walking partner.
It can be more enjoyable to walk with a companion.
Dogs are always excited to go for a walk, too. Studies show that dog owners walk almost 25 minutes longer each day than non-dog owners.
Having a dog can improve your fitness.
2. Your blood pressure will be lower.
Having a dog that you find comforting has been shown to lower blood pressure.
This can decrease the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
3. Dogs are great for kids.
Kids adore pets. Having a dog can help children to be more social, develop stronger immune systems, and learn responsibility.
With the right dog, your child always has someone to play with.
4. You have something to take care of.
Life is more meaningful to many folks if they have someone or something that relies on them.
Cardiac patients with pets are four times more likely to survive for at least a year than those patients without pets.
A dog can give your life a purpose.
5. Less stress.
Spending time with a dog can increase oxytocin and other feel-good hormones in the body. It feels soothing to pet your dog.
6. Uplift your mood.
Dogs reduce the likelihood and severity of depression. If you’ve ever had a dog, you already know that you feel better after spending time with them.
If you’ve never had a dog, what are you waiting for?
7. Greater social life.
It turns out that dog owners have more active social lives.
Most people like dogs and dogs can reduce social tension. It’s easier to walk up to a stranger with a dog and talk to them than it is to someone without a dog.
8. Less pain.
People that spend time with dogs after surgery use less pain medication than those who don’t. This benefit seems to extend to other situations as well. If you have chronic pain, having a dog that you love can help.
9. Someone to talk to.
Dogs are the perfect conversation companions. They’re interested in what you have to say. They never judge.
There was even one study that found that intelligent people are more likely to talk to a dog.
10. A pet can help to keep you and your home safe.
While a potential burglar might not be concerned with your cat or parakeet, most would-be intruders prefer to avoid homes with dogs.
Even a small dog can make quite a lot of noise when something is wrong.
Dogs are loyal companions that will never talk back, complain, or judge you. And unlike some friends or significant others, they'll never pack up and leave.
Of course, before you adopt a dog, you should first consider your needs and desires. Do you have enough time to walk and care for a dog? Do you have enough space for a furry friend? And do you live in a place that's conducive to pet ownership?
If you can answer yes to these questions, then a dog might be the perfect companion for you.
A dog can do a lot for your happiness, mental and physical health, and overall enjoyment of life!