Love that is unconditional. Commitment to one another. Continual amusement. The majority of dog owners understand that life is easier with a dog. Is that experience, though, founded on a gut instinct, or does anything else go on at work? Science is one of them.
Spending quality time with dog partners is beneficial to your health. According to recent studies, having a pet like that is both physically and emotionally beneficial. Dogs make people better, healthier, and more resilient in the face of adversity—and they can even help you find a date. Read on for ten scientifically proven advantages of owning a dog.
We feel less lonely when we have a dog
And when humans are unavailable, dogs will be there for you. They provide unconditional affection, emotional encouragement, and endless cuddles, all of which help alleviate social isolation. A minor Australian study found that having a puppy helps people feel less lonely.
A survey conducted on pet owners and non-pet owners and found that 80 percent of the respondents agree that contact with pets decreases isolation. The majority of people believe that human-pet experiences can help with social isolation.
They are beneficial to the cardiovascular system
Having a furry friend in your life will make you live longer. Pet owners used to have a lower risk of dying, according to a study of studies conducted between 1950 and 2019. According to studies, pet owners have lower blood pressure and better stress responses.
People who had previously suffered heart attacks had an even greater degree of risk reduction for death when they lived with a dog. The connection between humans and dogs, according to research, decreases tension, which is the main cause of heart disease.
They will assist you in reducing your stress levels
Your canine companion will provide you with warmth and help you relax. Dogs and service dogs have been shown in several studies to help people cope with stress and anxiety.
Even petting a friendly dog reduces blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and muscle pain. Scientists at Northwestern University learned that petting a pup for just 10 minutes can have a big effect. Cortisol, a significant stress hormone, was found to be significantly lower in study participants. Read more here.
They assist people in coping with challenges
Canines aid in our psychological recovery after a crisis. War veterans of PTSD who have a service dog do better physiologically and mentally. Veterans who had a support dog had slightly fewer PTSD symptoms and better-coping skills.
They inspire you to get up and walk
Long walks on roads, trails, and paths accumulate. Pet owners are more likely to follow everyday physical exercise requirements, according to a British study published in 2019. Per week, they walk their dogs for nearly 5 hours. That’s 200 minutes more walking than people who don’t have their own pet.
They make you look beautiful, even in pictures
It could be time to get a dog if you’re looking for a date. People may seem more approachable and appealing when they are accompanied by a pet.
When men had a dog with them, they were much more likely to get a woman’s phone number, according to a series of reports. Researchers in another study asked people to rate individuals in photos. They discovered that people who appeared with a pet seemed happier and more comfortable.
According to Pet Wingman, when a profile picture of their dog is included, males and females swipe right more. With pets in their profiles, women gained more than men.
We become more social
Walking with a canine friend will help us become more approachable and provide a topic of conversation. Consider how many times you’ve conversed with strangers, whether they’re your neighbors or acquaintances at the dog park.
According to studies, about 40% of pet owners have it easier to make friends. Dogs are a fantastic way to meet new people and develop new friendships. People who have a close connection to a pet feel more involved in their human relationships and families, as well.
If you want a super-smart, and friendly dog who is eager to please and loves to be put to work, then the right choice is an Australian Shepherd.
They are so cute that they make us fall in love with them
There’s an explanation why puppies are so appealing: they have an “infant schema” in their facial features. Humans’ innate caregiver reaction is triggered by these “social releasers.” So, the next time you can’t get enough of a dog video, remember that those wide eyes and fluffy ears are objectively appealing.
They make us feel better
Simply looking at a puppy will make you feel better. According to a 2009 Japanese report, gazing into the dog’s eyes increases your level of oxytocin, also regarded as the “love hormone.” They become natural mood boosters, in addition to the general health advantages of owning a pet.
According to a 2016 survey, people with AIDS who own a pet are less likely to be depressed. If you are having trouble finding the right breed for you, then you should do some research. You can check out a dog breeds encyclopedia to find what you are looking for.
They help seniors with cognitive function and social interaction
The impact of dogs on elderly people has been shown to be positive in studies. According to one study, pet therapy increases the cognitive function of long-term care residents with mental illnesses. Another study found that seniors with dementia have less agitated activities and had better social experiences.
Unconditional affection and encouragement are provided by a four-legged best friend, particularly during difficult times. Though some may believe we look after our canine partners, the relationship is reciprocal: dogs look after us, and science backs this up.
