Dogs, as they say, are man’s best friend. They are loyal, loving, empathetic, and playful. Due to the long history of dogs and humans, we have come to feel somewhat more comfortable, happier when we are together. It is a symbiotic relationship that has far outlived the original usefulness of dogs as working animals. We now have dogs for your company, as dear friends and family pets.
But the benefits of having a loyal family partner go beyond vague feelings of comfort and love. Dogs can have a very real and tangible effect on our health, both physical and emotional. Having a dog can be a very rewarding relationship for many reasons.
- Low blood pressure. A SUNY study found that simply owning a pet lowered blood pressure in a group of stockbrokers with hypertension.
- Low cholesterol A study in Australia found that pet owners had lower cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
- Higher survival rates after illness. Pet owners are more likely than non-pet owners to live after major medical procedures or health problems. Having a loving pet to care for can inspire people to fight to keep living.
But owning a dog can go beyond reducing stress and blood pressure. Studies show that dogs also have a very positive influence on mental health.
- Having a dog reduces loneliness. This is as obvious as it is beneficial. People who live alone not only report less loneliness when there is a happy dog waiting for them at home, but they also report that pets serve as an excellent catalyst for conversations with other people. Also, it is impossible to overestimate the value of a dog’s company.
- Having a dog reduces depression. For the reasons listed above, dog owners report lower levels of depression than similar owners who do not have pets.
- Having a dog can help your children develop. Children with pets at home consistently score higher on assessments of empathy and cognitive skills, and tend to have higher self-esteem. Who doesn’t look fondly on their childhood dog?
- Having a dog makes the family happier. Families with dogs report that they believe their dogs have a positive influence on family dynamics. And why wouldn’t they, with the lower stress rates and happier children that result from households with dogs?
It is obvious, then, that dogs have a great benefit for the health and happiness of their owners. It’s no wonder dog owners seem to be slightly happier than their pet-free friends.