5 Ways a Dog Can Make You Healthier

If you have ever had a dog before, you probably already know about some of the points we are going to make next, but just in case you have never had a canine pet, here are five reasons why you should change that as soon as possible.

Stress Busting and Fighting Depression

Even offices are adopting and allowing dogs nowadays and that’s because it is a scientific fact that pets in general, and dogs in particular, can help you bust stress and fight depression at the same time. It lowers hypertension, elevates dopamine levels and relaxes the muscles when we spend time with our pets. Overall, happy dogs are, quite literally, a bundle of joy for improving moods and relieving anxieties.

Keeping Fit

Whether you have a retriever or a dachshund, the dog needs daily exercise and you can rest assured that the pooch’s need for exercise will also help you get some yourself. Even if the owner is just walking his/her dog, it’s good exercise and will automatically contribute towards him/her leading a more active life than before. A point to be noted is that you should adopt a breed of dog that only requires as much exercise as you can afford to provide for, because a dog bred to run outdoors will become depressed and overweight very quickly if it doesn’t get the amount of exercise necessary.

Dogs Can Help Your Baby’s Immunity

Studies show that children who have had a dog in their house right from birth are less likely to develop allergies as they grow up. Additionally, they will probably be more resistant to common colds and ear infections than children who grew up without a dog.

Heart Patients Can Benefit from the Walking

As discussed earlier, dogs tend to keep people fit, but it’s also true when the owner already has a heart issue. Since most heart patients are told to avoid heavy exercises in favor of light walking, having a dog could be the perfect excuse they need to get out of the house and go for a walk in the park with the dog.

Lowered Cholesterol Levels

Walking and exercising with your dog is not only ideal to keep your heart working, but it also makes sure that you do not end up with more cholesterol in your blood than you should. According to the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, men in particular experience lowered cholesterol levels after adopting a dog, irrespective of the breed.

The Happiness of the Dog

While all of what you read above are facts, they are only applicable when you have a healthy and happy pet, so in a way, the wellbeing of the dog is directly related to the wellbeing of the owner. Keeping them well fed, taking them for monthly visits to the vet and giving them lots of attention and exercise whenever you get the chance are the simple rules for canine happiness. However, research points to the fact that dogs are the happiest when they spend the majority of their day playing outside and that’s exactly why you should put in an outdoor dog kennel if you have an unfenced backyard. The kennel will keep your dog safe and happy outside, even when you are not around to look after them. Keep in mind that this is neither meant for extreme weather conditions (high/low temperatures, rain, snow, etc.), nor is it a feasible solution when you leave home for a long time at a stretch. You will still need someone to pet sit your dogs in such scenarios.