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What do dogs bring to your life? As a dog lover, for you, the answer is everything! If you are often found convincing your friends and family how great it is to have an adorable pooch around you, we have got all the right arguments you’ll need.
Despite being a challenging responsibility, having a canine companion is beneficial in several ways. From reducing stress to improving physical health, a dog pet makes your life wholesome and rewarding in multiple ways.
Here, we have listed the top 5 ways these furry creatures make having a dog pet worth it!
1. Great for mental health
If you often suffer from anxiety and are prone to stress, getting a dog is perhaps the best way to effectively deal with mental health concerns. Petting a dog and cuddling with it significantly limits the release of stress hormones. It also helps slow the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension.
Individuals affected by PTSD feel safer when they have a puppy, which speeds up recovery and enhances emotional regulation. The presence of a dog trained to help patients recover from emotional trauma proves to be a source of healing. Does it mean a dog can smell your feelings? Well, it certainly implies that dogs can sense and observe when you are on the brink of panic or other PTSD symptoms. Your canine companion will help bring you back to the present and reduce traumatic flashbacks.
2. Improve physical health
If you have a dog at home, you know they love going out for a walk! A run with your dog is not only beneficial for your dog’s health but also promotes an active lifestyle for you. If you want to improve your physical activity, look for active breeds so you can have a physically positive shift in your life.
The encouragement you get to stay active because of your dog helps you in the long run by lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease. It also strengthens your heart and reduces cholesterol. If you have a dog, you are likely to walk 200 minutes more than a person without a dog! This is definitely life-changing for people struggling to motivate themselves to a healthier lifestyle.
Having a canine companion is great for overall well-being. Your furry friend will not only keep you active but also alert you to an oncoming seizure attack if you are an epilepsy patient. Dogs also help calm dementia patients, resulting in less aggressive spells.
3. Help in socializing
If you struggle in social settings or find it awkward to approach people, having a dog with you acts as an excellent ice-breaker. Being with your furry friend makes you more approachable and easier to socialize with people interacting with your puppy.
From your neighbor to random strangers in the park, being with your dog helps you connect with people easily, as they smile at your dog or reach out to pet it. This helps make your life more social and opens doors for interactions with other humans (or dogs!)
Dog parents also become more popular in the virtual world, as more people enjoy interacting with photos featuring adorable puppies.
4. Ward off loneliness
Living on your own can get lonely sometimes, especially if you have fewer friends to offer you company. A dog’s presence mitigates that feeling of loneliness and isolation. You will find that their comforting paws are always there to lighten up your mood and make you feel loved. After all, you become your canine’s whole world as its pet parent, and it may never shy away from showing you that!
Stroking your dog’s soft fur or playing with it releases the “love” hormone, oxytocin. This helps build a strong bond between you and your puppy so you become each other’s family.
5. Faithful and protective companion
A dog is a man’s best friend. This is one of the strongest reasons to welcome a canine companion in your life. Dogs are extremely loyal, so even when you are not around, they are always protective of your home. This devotion and love provide an added sense of security and relief, knowing you can rely on your dog for safety. This is especially helpful if you live alone!
Regardless of the breed or age of your dog, you will experience positivity and happiness in multiple ways. From having a stress-free time with your puppy to better health and social connections, a dog will change your life. As a pet parent, you will need to be prepared for caring for your dog. However, the added responsibility and expenses prove to be gratifying with unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship of your dog!
