Dogs and your health A dog is certainly a great companion to have. Most households in the United States have at least one pet. A growing amount of research has shown that living with a dog can boost human health and simply just petting a dog can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Below you will find just some of the many reasons to have a pet.
• Heart health. Animals not only fill your heart with love, but they actually make it stronger. Studies have shown that having a canine companion is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and decreased triglyceride levels. As a result, pets lead to better overall human health and decreasing risks of heart attacks.
• Keeps you active. It is recommended that adults get about two hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Dogs can increase your opportunities for exercise and being active outside makes it easier to get the recommended level of physical activity. Pets contribute to maintaining a healthy weight status, improved mood, overall happiness and bonding with your pet.
• Improves the lives of older individuals. Caring for a pet provides friendship. Owning a pet helps decrease daily living limitations, adds meaning and purpose to life, spreads joy, wards off depression, leads to fewer doctor visits and increases moderate and vigorous activity. Adult caregivers also feel less of burden when a pet is present in the home.
• Makes you more social and less lonely. Having a pet truly gives you a reason to get up in the morning and a great way to meet people when you are out with your pet. Walking your dog in your neighborhood or at a dog park makes it easier to strike up a conversation with a neighbor or another dog owner. Pets help prevent loneliness and isolation, which decreases cognitive decline and risk of disease.
• Teaches children responsibility. For many children, the family dog is their first friend. Having a dog as part of the family allows parents to teach their children the right way to treat animals and how to care for them. Exposing young children to pets at an early age helps their immune systems cope with allergies that arise from pet hair or dander.
Although pets are wonderful motivators for moving, they are a commitment that will last for many years. Before getting a pet make sure, you are ready and willing to take on that responsibility. If you already have a pet, you know how rewarding it is to have a loving and active connection.