health benefits of owning a dog

Spend some quality time with your furry companions this summer! Even just petting your dog can help your body to release a relaxation hormone to cut down on stress, according to WebMD. The Cleveland Clinic states that dogs can also help give owners a healthier heart. There are numerous studies that show major health benefits of owning a dog like lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These all have an impact on heart health and can lower the risk of having a heart attack.

Pets, especially dogs, can help relieve stress, anxiety and loneliness. Dogs give their owners a sense of belonging and meaning, which in turn allows them to have greater control of their life and those who walk their dogs regularly tend to maintain a healthier weight.

Here are some of the best reasons we think you should spend time with your furry friend or go to a local shelter and adopt:

1. Don’t Get Sick As Frequently

Dogs have germs, right? Contrary to the popular belief that wiping out all germs in your home will make you healthier, living in an environment where your immune system is constantly learning to fight different types of germs makes it healthier and stronger. Having a dog introduces you to a different set of germs than you would regularly run into and makes your ability to fight sickness that much stronger.

2. High Resistance to Allergies

Studies show that growing up in a house with a dog makes children less likely to develop allergies over the course of their lives.

3. Become Happier

Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than non-pet owners. Having a dog requires a routine and forces people to stay at least a little active, it is harder to stay inside feeling down all the time. Plus dogs love you unconditionally and when you look at them, you feel this love instantly, making you happier.

4. Get More Exercise

Dogs need exercise and the best part about it is that you need to help them exercise! That means when they are active and want to go for a walk, you increase your amount of the activity you perform in a day, just to make them happy. You and your dog will feel better and maintain a healthier lifestyle exercising together.

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