It doesn’t matter if you are just visiting a friend with dogs own a dog or volunteer to look after a dog for a friend. There are some fantastic benefits to have this contact as there are quite a few advantages of being with a lovely canine companion. Here are 10 good reasons as to why hanging out with a dog or dogs can benefit your health and reduce stress levels.
1) They have a fantastic ability of “stealing your heart in so many ways”.
Who can ignore those beautiful eyes, floppy ears, and a gorgeous smile? You can nearly feel the stress fall away as you devote your attention to this wonderful canines. Some studies have indicated that having a fury pooch can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and get you off the couch and just generally have better fitness and fewer physical health issues. Plus due to all the activity having a dog has had noted results of reducing heart attacks. So on that note lets go to number 2
2) A Dog will keep you fit and active
Well, this would seem obvious. As Dog loves “walkies”. And in a nutshell, it has to be done. We are all well aware of the requirement to get up and active and people need to walk as this is in creditably beneficially for our health and wellbeing. It has been noted that a good 2.5 hours are required per week to walk to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And obviously having a dog will make this venture way more enjoyable and regular by having an adorable best friend and pooch to hit the footpath with you. Animal services at PAWS (a Washington based animal advocacy organization) Have stated that these factors have a great impact on the health well being and relationship with their human best friend. It has even been noted that people who regularly maintain a walking routine with their dog will experience fewer aches and pains fewer Dr’s visits and joint issues. Plus if people actually walk on a regular basis they could possibly enjoy a reasonably independent lifestyle right into their 70s and 80s.
3) Walking that Dog will help lose weight.
Well, again this may seem obvious. If your dog needs to have “walkies” every day then this will not only be beneficial for the dog but a huge advantage to the one walking the pooch on a regular basis. Just regular consistent 10, 20, 30 minutes of walking and being outside for up to 5 days a week will have a huge impact on weight loss and pounds can be lost without even trying. There can also be a bit of a psychological aspect to walking the dog, as taking the Dog is more of a responsibility to get “Fido” up and running then thinking its exercise for one’s self. The benefits are immense and can help with not only bonding with your pooch but assisting with not only physical attributes but mental/psychological as well, which leads me onto to number 4
4) Reduces stress
There is no time to be anxious or uptight when you see that beautiful four-legged creature bounce, bound, sniff and explore when you take him/her out for a walk. Stress levels can be reduced and lowers anxiety and blood pressure. And apparently has the ability to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine which are two neuro-chemicals that play a big role in being calm and having all round well being.
https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamine-vs-serotonin#depression
5) Walking that Dog helps improve social life
your walking that dog up to 5 days a week whether it’s on a beach or around suburbia or even just down to the local park. There will be many people who are doing exactly the same thing for exactly the same reasons. Making your dog happy and healthy and giving you both a good dose of exercise, clearing the mind, making you happy and a potential conversation with people who are also walking their dog. And what better way to do then discuss your “furry child” with like-minded people. Having that dog gives you so many things to discuss and can encourage great conversations and engage with other people. There is nothing like a lovely compliment to open a good conversation and chat about your furry friend or
6) Gives you life and purpose Having that dog will make you have responsibilities.
They will be cute and adorable and care for you in their own way. But at the end of the day, they will still want to be feed watered and taken for walkies despite your mood. Dogs (and cats) have been known and well documented relieving depression loneliness and isolation. They give purpose to get up in the morning and to make sure they are fed and given fresh water every day. (Just like a child hence the term “fur-baby”). We all know they can not fend for themselves and need assistance with everyday requirements. So even though you may be feeling unwell, your pooch needs to be taken care of and it helps us to take the focus away from our own needs to focus on our friend who needs us more.
7) A Dog will starve off Depression
It has now come apparently that service dogs are becoming increasingly popular in mental health issues and have had great outcomes helping those who suffer from depression and mental health issues. Just by number 6) “Life and purpose” is a good enough reason to help stave off depression. Having a dog has huge benefits as stated above with the benefits of exercise, less concentration on one’s self, the responsibility to care for someone else. And the good old classic unconditional love!. Having that pooch by your side can be an amazing source of companionship love commitment and nurturing elements to give you the strength to overcome many of the depression you may encounter. However, it is always wise to seek medical help regardless of whether you have a dog or not. But they sure do help.
8) Having a Dog can reduce Dr. Visits
Again this may seem obvious as with all the walking your doing. All responsibly of caring for your 4-legged friend, the companionship a dog provides can stave off loneliness. It’s only logical that having a pooch is a sure way to reduce the amounts of Dr visits. Dogs tend to be a bit of a buffer from the impacts of a stressful, lonely lifestyle. They are full of unconditional love and love it when you are present and engaging with them.
As you can see there are lots of methods and ways to reduce your stress levels, improve your lifestyle and increase happiness and contentment all because of a loveable pooch. There really do bring out the best in all of us and its a privilege to have one by your side.
