5 Perks of Having a Dog

December 01, 2020

5 Perks of Having a Dog

Did you know that having a dog not only brings some added fun into the house, but can also do wonders for your wellbeing? So...if you're trying to convince the other family members why they should allow you to get a dog, you can share with them the following perks:

 

1. Keeps You Active

In general, adults should be getting on average about 2-3 hours of moderate exercise a week. Having a dog can significantly help in this regard. Dog owners are more likely to reach or exceed that goal as they make the time to take their dogs out for their daily walks. In fact, your dog can help motivate you even on those days when you don't feel like working out as you may have a high sense of duty to walk your dog. (haha or is it really our dogs walking us?) Either way, it's a plus!

 

2. Help You Shed Weight

Have you been trying to lose weight? Having a dog may help you reach your weight loss goal. Studies have shown that taking your dog on daily walks may help you lose weight - especially if your dog is a fast walker (or runner)! The best part of this process is that many dog owners don't consider walking their dog as exercise, but rather as a responsibility to their dogs. According to one study, those who walked their dogs five times a week were able to lose on average about 14 pounds within a year! Now is that some motivation?

 

3. Improves Your Social Life

Do you ever feel like it is getting harder and harder for you to meet new people or strike up a conversation? Well, for many dog owners, research has shown that they are able to socialize and make friends more easily! Why is that? Well, for one, many dog owners tend to chat with other dog owners they meet on their daily walks with their dogs. Also, even for those who don't have dogs, they may be more likely to start a conversation with those with dogs. For example, I'm sure many of you have experienced seeing someone walking an adorably cute dog and telling the owner, "Your dog is so cute!". So even if you're more introverted and not one to start conversations with strangers, having a dog can really help others open up and start chatting with you.

 

4. Reduce Stress

Studies have shown that having a dog can potentially help reduce your stress. Just petting a dog can help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and relaxes your muscles. Some scientists have discovered that petting a dog for 10 minutes can have a significant impact. That is why there are therapy dogs, dogs that are actually training to provide affection, comfort, and support to people who are often living in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, and disaster areas.

 

5. Make You Feel Less Lonely

Your dog can be there for you at times when your friends or family can't. They can fill the void and offer you love and emotional support. In fact, it is widely believed that dog owners are less prone to feeling emotionally down or lost than those who don't have a dog. They can even help add more meaning and purpose to our lives.

 

 

 

 





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