4 Reasons Having a Dog is Beneficial to Your Health

There really is nothing that can compare with the love and devotion a dog can have for its owner.  In the same manner, responsible dog owners have the same love and care for their fur-babies as if it were their own child. The joy of owning a dog is something unique and special and the unconditional love and the companionship that you get are beyond compare.

But did you know that owning and caring for your dog is also beneficial to your physical and mental health? If you already have a fur-baby or two, I’m sure you would definitely agree with this! For those who have yet to make a decision about getting a dog, read on to know just how having a dog is great for your health and well being.

Routine and Care

Being a responsible pet owner, you are keenly aware of the needs of your dog. The need for food and nourishment, the need for a comfortable home and the need for daily exercise and play are things that you have to provide on a daily basis. This routine of having to meet these needs of your dog can also serve as a reminder to yourself of your own needs, as well. Studies show that because of the necessary routine that is demanded of you as a pet owner, you become more aware of your own needs and can respond to both better and live a healthier and better life.

Aside from the physical aspect, the feeling of being needed and depended upon by your dog is also beneficial to your well-being and mental health.

Unconditional Love and Companionship

Having a dog can help alleviate loneliness and help you with your mental health and well being. As social beings, there is that need to connect and have relationships. The need to touch and the need for interaction—these are important needs that having to care for a dog address. One very big factor is the unconditional love a dog has for you, the owner. This, in itself, has a very positive effect on your emotional and mental well-being, especially for those dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Having a dog provides companionship, acceptance and unconditional love. There is also a sense of calm and security that comes with having a dog.

It has been noted, too, that having a dog as a pet releases Oxycontin in the body—the hormone responsible for good feelings and positive emotions.  There is also a decrease in the stress hormones found in the body which also supports emotional and mental well-being.

Socialization

The needs of your dog also encourage socialization. Having to go out to bring your dog for daily walks or routine visits to the vet allows for you to interact with people around you and your community which is always good. It fosters and supports the creation of new relationships and interactions with pet owners, vets and your community in general. Feelings of isolation can be a very big problem and having a dog can address that.

Studies have also shown that these interactions and the companionship also lead to lesser stress hormones and are beneficial to health.

More Activity

Having to care for your dog is not only great for mental well being but also for your physical health. The needs of your dog provide more opportunities to get up and be more active. Having to walk your dog, or get up to feed, bathe and play are times when you have to really get up and move. For some that are suffering from mental health issues or depression, these moments are important and truly beneficial as they help get in some physical activity throughout the day.

Having a dog may be a big responsibility to commit to, this is true, and it takes a lot of time, effort and resources to be able to be a parent to your fur-baby. The rewards and benefits to your physical, mental and emotional well-being are beyond compare.