Health benefits of owning a dog
How your dog improves your health
Today, I want to take a moment to write about my dog Hamilton and the health benefits of owning a dog. While I'm not dismissing cats and other pets, the focus today is on Hamilton because it's his 12th birthday - which makes him a very old man for his breed!
Hamilton is an English Bulldog that we rescued in 2018. After our first English Bulldog passed away earlier that year, we were eager to provide a stable home for another dog. We reached out to the Pacific Northwest Bulldog Rescue and were quickly matched with Hamilton. When we first met him, he barreled toward us like a big bowling ball, jumping and breathing heavily. He was overweight, had skin issues, and was on multiple medications. The vet called him a hot mess, but to us, he was perfect. He settled in quickly, though it took months to get his skin under control. Over the years, he's had multiple flare-ups requiring care, medication, and extra attention, but he's completely worth it. His personality is sweet, stubborn, and lazy. He loves car rides, visiting the coffee stand for a treat, and demanding belly rubs whenever he rolls over.
Earlier this summer, we had a major scare and thought we might lose him. Thankfully, he pulled through and has since been enjoying healthy, happy days. Dogs can bring immense joy into our lives and enhance our overall wellness in numerous ways. Let’s toast to Hamilton and all the dogs in our lives for making our days healthier and happier.
Explore the health benefits for owning a dog below:
Physical Health Benefits
Increased Physical Activity
Regular Exercise: Dogs require regular walks and playtime, encouraging their owners to engage in physical activity. This can help improve cardiovascular health, manage weight, and increase overall fitness levels.
Active Lifestyle: Dog owners are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle, which can help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Improved Heart Health
Lower Blood Pressure: Interacting with dogs can help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Reduced Cholesterol Levels: Studies have shown that dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, contributing to better heart health.
Boosted Immune System
Exposure to Germs: Regular exposure to dog-associated germs can enhance the immune system, making it more robust and better able to fight off common illnesses.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Calming Presence: Petting and spending time with a dog can trigger the release of relaxation hormones like oxytocin, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Lower Cortisol Levels: Interaction with dogs has been shown to decrease cortisol, a stress hormone, thereby promoting relaxation and calmness.
Mental and Emotional Health Benefits
Reduced Depression
Emotional Support: Dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.
Increased Serotonin and Dopamine: Interacting with dogs can boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, improving mood and promoting a sense of well-being.
Enhanced Social Interaction
Community Engagement: Dog ownership often leads to social interactions with other dog owners and community members, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation.
Conversation Starter: Walking a dog or visiting dog parks can create opportunities for socializing and making new friends.
Structure and Routine
Daily Routine: Owning a dog requires a consistent daily routine for feeding, walking, and care, providing structure and a sense of purpose.
Responsibility: Caring for a dog instills a sense of responsibility and commitment, which can be rewarding and fulfilling.
Cognitive Benefits
Improved Cognitive Function:
Preventing Cognitive Decline: Engaging in activities with a dog, such as training and playing, can help keep the mind active, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline and related conditions like dementia.
Overall Wellness
Increased Happiness and Fulfillment
Enhanced Life Satisfaction: The companionship and unconditional love provided by a dog can significantly increase happiness and overall life satisfaction.
Sense of Security: Dogs can provide a sense of security and safety, especially for people living alone.
Therapeutic Benefits
Therapy Dogs: Dogs are often used in therapeutic settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, to provide comfort and emotional support.
By providing companionship, encouraging physical activity, and offering emotional support, dogs can have a profound positive impact on their owners' health and well-being. Whether through daily walks, playful interactions, or the simple joy of their presence, dogs can contribute significantly to a healthier and happier life.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
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