{"id":1563,"date":"2020-11-18T09:00:55","date_gmt":"2020-11-18T09:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/?p=1563"},"modified":"2023-08-22T10:31:27","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T10:31:27","slug":"health-benefits-having-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/health-benefits-having-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"The 20 Proven Health Benefits of Having a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-14101bc2\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/The-20-Health-Benefits-of-Having-a-Dog-featured-image.jpg\" alt=\"girl smiling to the fluffy dog\" class=\"wp-image-1742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/The-20-Health-Benefits-of-Having-a-Dog-featured-image.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/The-20-Health-Benefits-of-Having-a-Dog-featured-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/The-20-Health-Benefits-of-Having-a-Dog-featured-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/The-20-Health-Benefits-of-Having-a-Dog-featured-image-705x397.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading post_title_h1\" id=\"sc-post-title\">The 20 Proven Health Benefits of Having a Dog<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"post_info\"><strong><a   class=\"post-author-name\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/author\/alex\/\">Alex Vicente<\/a><\/strong> \u2022 Updated on August 22, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"disclaimers\">\n<li><span class=\"av-icon-char\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-av_icon=\"\ue822\" data-av_iconfont=\"entypo-fontello\"><\/span> This review contains affiliate links. Read more <a href=\"\/affiliate-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1235\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"av-icon-char\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-av_icon=\"\uf0fa\" data-av_iconfont=\"fontello\"><\/span> Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although you probably know having a dog has its advantages, you might not have known that dogs can impact your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I still remember the day I got my first dog \u2014 he came running toward me, wagging his tail the whole time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bond between dogs and humans is strong, and it\u2019s that bond that provides dog owners with the resulting health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If I hadn\u2019t bonded with my first dog or worse \u2014 if I\u2019d never met him \u2014 my life would be drastically different today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I\u2019m excited to discuss the health benefits of having a dog and why you might want to consider getting one.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li ><a href=\"#physical-health\">Physical Health<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#mental-health\">Mental Health<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#social-life\">Social Life<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#stress-relief\">Stress Relief<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#give-your-life-meaning\">Give Your Life Meaning<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"physical-health\">Physical Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-running-with-her-dog.jpg\" alt=\"girl running with her dog\" class=\"wp-image-2133\" title=\"You\u2019ll be more fit and active\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-running-with-her-dog.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-running-with-her-dog-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-running-with-her-dog-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-running-with-her-dog-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most advantageous benefits you can reap from just being a dog owner is improving your physical health. Believe it or not, there are a plethora of physical advantages that dog owners have over non-dog owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs can truly help you turn your health around. Are you trying to lose weight? Want to lower your blood pressure? Believe it or not, having a dog can help. Check out the benefits you can enjoy as a dog owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll be more fit and active<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chances are, if you\u2019re a dog owner, you\u2019re more active than those who don\u2019t have a dog. If you take a 30-minute walk with your dog per day (or two 15-minute walks in the morning and evening), you\u2019ll be more fit. Playing with your dog \u2014 even just a quick game of fetch \u2014 can also&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/socrates.bmcc.cuny.edu\/jsamuels\/math150\/article-correlation_or_causation_with_dogs_and_exercise.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1236\">help you be more active.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, when you walk your dog, you\u2019re also improving your bones and the muscles around them, making them stronger. It\u2019s also an excellent opportunity to soak in some vitamin D from the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending where you live, you can even take an exercise class with your pup and work out with her. For example, some yoga studios offer classes for you and your dog to do together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/women-walking-in-the-countryside-with-her-dogs.jpg\" alt=\"women walking in the countryside with her dogs\" class=\"wp-image-2137\" title=\"Your heart health could improve.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/women-walking-in-the-countryside-with-her-dogs.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/women-walking-in-the-countryside-with-her-dogs-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/women-walking-in-the-countryside-with-her-dogs-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/women-walking-in-the-countryside-with-her-dogs-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2.<\/strong>&nbsp;Your heart health could improve.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most impressive physical benefits of having a dog is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/healthy-living\/healthy-lifestyle\/mental-health-and-wellbeing\/can-your-pet-help-you-be-healthier\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1237\">the effect on your heart health<\/a>.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.voanews.com\/science-health\/studies-dog-owners-more-likely-survive-heart-attack-stroke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1238\">Studies have found<\/a>&nbsp;that people who have dogs are more likely to survive a heart attack or stroke. In general, pet owners are also less likely to be killed by cardiac diseases like heart failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one study, heart failure patients who spent time with dogs every day&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/aacnjournals.org\/ajcconline\/article-abstract\/16\/6\/575\/622\/Animal-Assisted-Therapy-in-Patients-Hospitalized?redirectedFrom=fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1239\">experienced lower anxiety levels and blood pressure rates.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog might also help you lower your cholesterol. Although scientists don\u2019t know precisely why, dog owners have healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to those who don\u2019t have a pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.<\/strong>&nbsp;You could lose weight.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a fact that dog owners are often more active and being more active could help you lose weight. Whether you\u2019re doing a workout with your dog or simply going on a morning walk, you\u2019re burning more calories than you might typically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, walking your dog can be a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-019-41254-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1240\">motivational tool<\/a>&nbsp;for losing weight, too. Dogs love walks, and their excitement and happiness are an excellent way to motivate dog owners. Weight loss will feel less like a chore and more like a regular activity with your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-sleeping-with-her-dog.jpg\" alt=\"girl sleeping with her dog\" class=\"wp-image-2134\" title=\"Your children might not develop allergies.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-sleeping-with-her-dog.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-sleeping-with-her-dog-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-sleeping-with-her-dog-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-sleeping-with-her-dog-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4.<\/strong>&nbsp;Your children might not develop allergies.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog in the house might prevent your children from developing allergies. Being around animals like dogs improves the immune system and can keep your kids healthy when they get older, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers say the more amount of time children are exposed to pets when they\u2019re young (around 1-2 years old),&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/allergies\/news\/20031014\/pets-may-prevent-allergies-in-kids#1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1241\">the less likely they\u2019ll have pet allergies<\/a>&nbsp;later. Kids who grew up around dogs (or cats) are also less likely to be allergic to ragweed, dust mites and grass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.<\/strong>&nbsp;You might not have to go to the doctor as often.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might\u2019ve heard the saying, \u201cAn apple a day keeps the doctor away,\u201d but what about dogs? If you\u2019re older \u2014 over 65, to be exact \u2014 you\u2019re less likely to need medical help than those who don\u2019t have a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 1990&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/1990-31740-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1242\">study<\/a>&nbsp;found that seniors who had pets sought medical help around 30% less than people who didn\u2019t have a pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to that, studies have found that dogs&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/06\/well\/family\/are-pets-the-new-probiotic.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1243\">introduce more microorganisms into the home.<\/a>&nbsp;This actually improves the human immune system. Research suggests that dog owners get sick less often, but when they get sick, it\u2019s less severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll be able to fight off injury and illness.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog could be lifesaving. Some canines can actually sniff out certain cancers, such as kidney, prostate, and bladder cancers, making it possible to catch the disease quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some dogs, referred to as service dogs, can help people who have illnesses or conditions that might prevent them from living life on their own terms. However, service dogs can help people feel independent again and even increase their mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, some people with epilepsy have service dogs that can help alert their owners before they have a seizure, as well as find help if their owner does have a seizure. Those with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia often feel calmer when they have a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Service dogs can benefit people living with a plethora of conditions, such as autism, diabetes, traumatic brain injury (TBI), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll be able to manage your blood pressure easier.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So how exactly does that work? Well, even dog owners need to keep their weight and exercise habits in check. But studies show that having a dog can reduce both blood pressure and heart rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/id\/4625213\/ns\/health-pet_health\/t\/puppy-love----its-better-you-think\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1244\">One study, in particular<\/a>, found that blood pressure dropped by 10% after petting a dog for just 15-30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mental-health\">Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental health is just as important as physical health, and having a dog can improve your mentality, too. Here are a few ways owning a dog can benefit your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-laying-down-on-the-grass-with-a-dog.jpg\" alt=\"girl laying down on the grass with a dog\" class=\"wp-image-2132\" title=\"You\u2019ll be able to fight off depression and anxiety.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-laying-down-on-the-grass-with-a-dog.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-laying-down-on-the-grass-with-a-dog-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-laying-down-on-the-grass-with-a-dog-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-laying-down-on-the-grass-with-a-dog-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll be able to fight off depression and anxiety.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re dealing with or recovering from depression or anxiety, your dog can help. Research suggests that talking to your dog or simply taking a few minutes to pet your dog can help you feel calmer and more at ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog is also a big responsibility, so taking care of your pet can also help you feel better about how you\u2019re living your life. Even if you\u2019re depressed, your dog can encourage you to get out of bed to take care of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, people living with AIDS are not as likely to be depressed if they have a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll be in a better mood.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are a great mood booster. Sitting with your dog and showing him some love can make you feel calmer and more relaxed. This is because spending time with your pup causes your body to go through physical changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serotonin, the chemical that makes you feel happy, increases while cortisol, a stress-causing hormone, decreases. Playing with a dog can also increase dopamine, which makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"social-life\">Social Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprisingly, having a dog can also improve your social life in a couple of ways. From connecting to others, you\u2019ll be glad you\u2019re a dog owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-with-a-dog-laughing-and-talking.jpg\" alt=\"couple with a dog laughing and talking\" class=\"wp-image-2130\" title=\"You can make more friends.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-with-a-dog-laughing-and-talking.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-with-a-dog-laughing-and-talking-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-with-a-dog-laughing-and-talking-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-with-a-dog-laughing-and-talking-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10.<\/strong>&nbsp;You can make more friends.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog can be a good talking point when you\u2019re meeting new people. Dog owners usually enjoy talking to other dog owners, so your pet just might be the perfect topic of conversation. Soon, you\u2019ll make more social connections than you ever thought possible, just by talking to others who are like-minded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take your dog on a walk or to the dog park, that\u2019s also a perfect opportunity to chat with fellow dog owners and socialize while your dog gets some necessary exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11.<\/strong>&nbsp;Loneliness will be on the backburner.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2020, there are hundreds of places for you and your pup to frequent together. Places you might typically visit alone \u2014 the park, dog-friendly restaurants, outdoor concerts, the lake, or even nearby hiking trails \u2014 are also viable options for you and your dog to enjoy together. Having a dog can put any loneliness you might feel on the backburner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll get a great companion.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are referred to as \u201cman\u2019s best friend\u201d for a reason. Having a dog means you\u2019ll get a great companion \u2014 one who will love you unconditionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are incredibly friendly, and as such, they love both canine and human company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13.<\/strong>&nbsp;You can socialize with those who might need it.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a similar vein, some people \u2014 like those in the hospital, nursing homes, or veteran facilities \u2014 are lonely but don\u2019t have the means to take care of a dog of their own. That\u2019s where you and your pet come in. You\u2019ll be able to build on your social life while improving the social lives of others, too. The majority of these places actively look for volunteers, so it\u2019s just a matter of choosing somewhere you know you\u2019d like to spend some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are even some libraries that have a \u201creading to Rover\u201d program in which the local children practice reading by reading books to a dog. The opportunities here are almost endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14.<\/strong>&nbsp;Social media is also there to offer support.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dog owners love talking to other dog owners, and on social media platforms, it\u2019s no different. There are tons of dog forums online, some even specified by breed. Two big forums you can connect and post on include&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dogforum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1245\">Dog Forum<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dogsey.com\/dogforum.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1246\">Dogsey<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there are also Facebook groups for dog owners, Twitter and Instagram hashtags and pages, and of course, there\u2019s Reddit. Reddit has specific subreddit groups for dog owners organized by breeds and subjects. Here are a few of the best dog subreddits, just to name a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1247\">r\/dogs:<\/a>&nbsp;This is the perfect place to post all things dogs, whether you\u2019re asking a question, learning about dogs, or sharing information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/WiggleButts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1248\">r\/WiggleButts:<\/a>&nbsp;This one is dedicated to breeds like miniature American shepherds, Aussies, and Aussie mixes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/Dogtraining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1249\">r\/Dogtraining:<\/a>&nbsp;This forum is specifically for information and discussion on two essential topics: dog training and behavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/PuppySmiles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1250\">r\/puppysmiles:<\/a>&nbsp;Simply put, this is a place to post pictures of your smiling puppy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/BostonTerrier\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1251\">r\/BostonTerrier:<\/a>&nbsp;This is another example of a breed-specific subreddit, as this one\u2019s totally dedicated to Boston terriers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1252\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1253\"><strong>r\/dogs<\/strong><\/a>This is the perfect place to post all things dogs, whether you\u2019re asking a question, learning about dogs, or sharing information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stress-relief\">Stress Relief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most advantageous benefits of having a dog is the stress relief they can bring their owners. When you spend time with your dog,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/made-each-other\/201005\/dog-good\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1254\">your oxytocin levels rise.<\/a>&nbsp;Oxytocin is a hormone that decreases fear and anxiety while promoting trust, which can make you less stressed. However, that\u2019s not the only way dogs relieve your stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-covering-dogs-eyes.jpg\" alt=\"girl covering dog's eyes\" class=\"wp-image-2131\" title=\"They\u2019ll make you laugh.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-covering-dogs-eyes.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-covering-dogs-eyes-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-covering-dogs-eyes-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/girl-covering-dogs-eyes-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15.<\/strong>&nbsp;They\u2019ll make you laugh.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a known fact that laughter can decrease tension and relieve your stress response. Laughter also has both short and long-term benefits. In the short-term, it can soothe anxiety, stimulate organs, and reduce your stress response. Over the long-term, laughing can relieve pain, be a mood booster, and even improve your immune system,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/stress-relief\/art-20044456\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1255\">according to the Mayo Clinic.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laughter really is the best medicine, and dogs are great for a good laugh. Whether it\u2019s general tomfoolery or an \u201cAmerica\u2019s Funniest Home Videos\u201d-worthy moment, a dog can have you in peals of laughter in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>16.<\/strong>&nbsp;They\u2019ll increase your self-esteem.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe it or not, when you have good self-esteem, that contributes to your overall stress levels by decreasing them. Dog owners are often less anxious and less fearful. Plus, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/pubs\/journals\/releases\/psp-101-6-1239.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1256\">2011 study<\/a>&nbsp;published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that among the positive consequences of pet ownership, increased self-esteem among pet owners stands out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you want to feel better about yourself, your pup might be the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17.<\/strong>&nbsp;They can give you some peace of mind.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are more than just a friendly face; they can actually be an efficient security system. Research suggests burglars are discouraged by the sound of a barking dog. Having a dog that makes its presence known is enough to dissuade people from entering your residence without permission, which can help give you peace of mind and increase your sense of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>18.<\/strong>&nbsp;They satisfy the human need for touch.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know physical touch decreases stress levels? It\u2019s true: along with building trust and boosting the immune system, physical contact is a great stress reliever. Not only do you reap the benefits when you pet your dog, but they also enjoy the love and affection of a good petting session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"give-your-life-meaning\">Give Your Life Meaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s clear that dogs have a very positive effect on human health, from physical effects to promoting mental health. But dogs can also give your life meaning and purpose. In other words, dogs often give us a reason to get up in the morning and live our best life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/person-sitting-side-by-side-with-dog.jpg\" alt=\"person sitting side by side with dog\" class=\"wp-image-2128\" title=\"Your quality of life can improve.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/person-sitting-side-by-side-with-dog.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/person-sitting-side-by-side-with-dog-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/person-sitting-side-by-side-with-dog-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/person-sitting-side-by-side-with-dog-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>19.<\/strong>&nbsp;Your quality of life can improve.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs can also give people a better quality of life. If you\u2019re recovering from a traumatic event \u2014 like a stroke or a heart attack \u2014 or an illness, dogs can make you feel better. You can even train your dog to understand helpful commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>20.<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll have more reasons to get up in the morning.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/articles\/mental-health\/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1257\">adds routine and structure to your day,<\/a>&nbsp;which can give it more meaning. Having a routine can keep you relaxed and happy. Dogs can boost your morale, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the reasons that dog training programs are becoming so prevalent in the United States. These programs often pair unwanted or abused dogs with prison inmates to encourage a healthy, positive bond. Due to all the health benefits dogs have to offer their owners, these programs have yielded decreased depression, anxiety, and incidents of aggression while giving prison inmates a distinct sense of purpose. Although 50% of inmates end up going back to prison after their release, that figure drops to 17% for inmates who went through the Leader Dog Program,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lifeasahuman.com\/2018\/pets\/dogs\/paws-purpose-and-prison-how-dogs-help-us-find-meaning-in-the-everyday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1258\">according to Life as a Human magazine.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-walking-with-their-dogs.jpg\" alt=\"couple walking with their dogs\" class=\"wp-image-2129\" title=\"The Bottom Line?\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-walking-with-their-dogs.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-walking-with-their-dogs-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-walking-with-their-dogs-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/couple-walking-with-their-dogs-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a good reason there are about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/198100\/dogs-in-the-united-states-since-2000\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1259\">89.7 million dogs living with their humans<\/a>&nbsp;in the U.S. alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are more than a cute, fluffy face \u2014 they\u2019re actually beneficial to your health and well-being. Having a dog encourages you to be more active, which in turn improves your heart health, blood pressure, injuries, and illness. And it\u2019s all backed by research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, these furry animals also improve your mental health. Having a dog can help fight depression and anxiety, relieve stress, improve your mood and morale, as well as improve your social life by fostering powerful social connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the years go by, we\u2019ll undoubtedly see more research and studies tailored to the advantages of owning a dog. For now, the current research is enough to show the undeniable benefits of having a loyal, lifelong companion like a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It doesn\u2019t matter what breed you choose, how old the dog is, or what gender your dog is. The bottom line is that if you\u2019re a dog owner, you\u2019re reaping countless benefits that non-pet owners can\u2019t relate to.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although you probably know having a dog has its advantages, you might not have known that dogs can impact your health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1742,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[225],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1563"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1563"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17909,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1563\/revisions\/17909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1742"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1563"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}