Amazing Health Benefits from Owning a Dog

Apart from unconditional love, having a pet dog has serious health benefits for you.

There’s actually more to the saying that a dog is a man’s best friend. Apart from the unconditional love and loyalty a dog owner receives from his pet, he is also set to gain more from the relationship with his furry friend. In fact, dogs are more likely to help you improve your health conditions.

Years of scientific study and research have proven that a four-legged friend is one of the best things you can have in your life especially if you would like to improve your health and live longer. If you still don’t believe us, here are a few facts we learned from the studies that were made by vets worldwide:

1. A dog can boost your immune system

Source: Jennifer Pack

Dogs love to explore and this means they get themselves dirty as well. A dog owner knows this for a fact so he is not afraid of getting a little dirt on himself as well. Over time, you get natural immunity to the dirt and germs around that your dog most likely got while playing in the park.

2. A dog can help prevent loneliness

Source: swong95765

A dog is a social being. It needs to be walked and loves to be around people or other dogs. This will entail you getting off your couch so you have the time to go around the neighborhood to walk your little Fido.

3. A dog is good for your heart

Source: Health Sciences Library UNC

Apart from the positive mood boosting effect a dog has on its human, it also keeps your heart in good working condition. Scientists found out in their research that high blood pressure patients who owned a dog were able to keep their blood pressure in low levels during stressful times in comparison to patients who didn’t have a pet.

4. A dog can prevent asthma and allergies

Source: Marc

A Swedish study revealed that if you grow up with a dog over the first two years of your life, you are at least 77% less likely to develop allergies. The study also found out that kids who owned a pet were 13% less likely to develop asthma.

5. A dog helps relieve pain

Source: Health Sciences Library UNC

Therapy dogs are huge help for patients with Fibromyalgia or patients who experience a lot of pain after surgery. Patients are less likely to use pain medication just by being with a pet dog for 10-15 minutes.

Now that you know how a dog can help you stay healthy, you might want to reconsider getting one instead of a cat.