From keeping us active during the day to being our living, breathing, alarm clock, dogs keep us on task in many ways. They also alert us of potential dangers (even if it’s just the mail carrier!) and entertain us with their goofy antics. Many studies show that dogs have a positive effect on both the physical and mental health of their owners. Overall, dogs can contribute to your health and happiness! Here’s how.
1. Dogs Keep Their Owners Physically Engaged
Dog owners tend to have more overall physical activity throughout the day. Dogs need regular walks. Rain or shine, night, or day, whether you want to or not, your dog will need to be walked! Dog owners on average, tend to accumulate more steps and meet their daily activity goals more often than non-dog owners. Dogs are the ultimate exercise buddy, and they will hold you accountable!
Beyond regular walks, dogs also need other forms of exercise and play. Whether it’s a game of fetch in the park, a trip to the beach, or playing tug-o-war in your living room, these all add up to more minutes of physical activity.
For more active dogs, there are lots of activities they may be able to accompany you on. From watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding to camping and hiking with your dog, they can make great adventure companions.
2. Dogs Help Us Manage Stress
Dogs can have a calming effect on their owners and have even been linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Had a bad day at work? Coming home to your dog’s sweet smile and wagging tail is almost guaranteed to make it at least a little better. Dogs are always there for their owners and offer unconditional love and support.
Dogs are very in tune with their owners’ emotions and can often sense when their owners are sad. Dogs offer comfort and a shoulder (or paw!) to lean on during tough or difficult times. Because of their emotional capacity, dogs are also used for therapy and emotional support. Therapy dogs are often used in hospital settings to provide comfort and support to patients, especially children and the elderly. They also help individuals coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
3. Dogs Keep Us on Schedule
Dogs are excellent timekeepers. Ask any dog owner that’s gone through a daylight savings time change, it’s likely their dog held a small protest in their kitchen that day. Your dog is the ultimate alarm clock and will let you know when it’s time to get up in the morning. Dogs become accustomed to their routines, as well as ours. Your dog may not be able to tell time, but they know when you usually come home and will be right there waiting for you.
Remote workers especially have noted that their dogs keep them on schedule as they’ve gotten accustomed to lunchtime walks. Dogs can be that little extra motivation we all need sometimes to get outside!
4. Dogs Make Family Life Better
Dogs are part of the family, and they will behave as such. Most dogs will share a strong and loyal bond with everyone in their pack. They look out for their family members and have been known to protect them at all costs. There have been many stories over the years of hero dogs fighting off wild animals, saving their owners from housefires, and defending their humans from would-be attackers. Some dogs are more protective than others but overall, most dogs will have a strong familial-like bond with their owners.
Children that grow up in a home with dogs have been known to be more compassionate and empathetic. Another way that kids can benefit from having a dog is by being involved in their care (in supervised, age-appropriate ways). This can help teach responsibility and make them feel important and involved.
5. Dogs Make Us Happy!
Dogs just make us happy! It may seem like a simple, no-explanation-needed statement but there are actually scientific reasons why dogs make you happy. Spending time with your dog can increase your levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone” as well as reduce your levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone”. Dogs are scientifically proven mood boosters!
Dogs are all unique and wonderful in their own ways. Just like humans, they all have their own individual personalities, likes and dislikes, etc. Watching their personalities shine through their adorable faces and playful behaviors can bring so much happiness to your household.
