Let’s face it, life can be ruff sometimes. That’s why more and more people are turning to the fluffy, tail-wagging solution: owning a dog.
Not only are they adorable, but they bring a whole lot of benefits to the table (or should we say the bowl).
Sure, dogs may chew on your shoes or bark at the mailman, but the joy they bring to your life is priceless.
Did you know that furry friends can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress? They can even help you make new friends and get more exercise.
So, get ready to join me on a paw-some adventure as we explore the top reasons why every home should have a furry friend.
Trust me, you won’t regret it – and your new best friend will be wagging their tail in agreement!
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When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, a furry companion may be just what the doctor ordered!
Owning the dog has been shown to have numerous benefits for your cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.
But don’t just take my word for it, let the science speak for itself! [3] [4]
And let’s face it, with those puppy eyes staring up at you, it’s hard to say no to a little extra activity!
Whether you’re bonding with fellow pet owners at the park or simply chatting with neighbors on your daily walks, having a furry companion by your side can help you feel more connected to the world around you.
Man’s best friend can also be a great mental health ally. If you’re a proud owner of a furry friend, you already know the joy and happiness they bring to your life.
But did you know that dogs can also help alleviate depression and loneliness? – That’s right! [7] [8]
Our furry companions can provide much-needed company, decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, and increase opportunities for social interaction.
With their happy wagging tails and goofy antics, dogs can be a prescription for happiness!
Who says owning the pup is a recipe for sneezing and wheezing? It turns out that having a four-legged friend at home can reduce your risk of allergies and asthma.
Little ones who grow up with furry companions are less likely to suffer from these pesky conditions. Why?
Well, snuggling up to dogs and other pets from an early age might help boost the immune system and make it less sensitive to allergens. [9] [10]
So, you can breathe easy and enjoy the company of your fluffy sidekick without having to reach for the tissues!
This is because furry friends bring a diverse array of bacteria and other microorganisms into our homes, which can help stimulate our immune system. [11]
Simply put, dogs are like tiny immune system personal trainers, pushing our bodies to work harder and get stronger.
Owning the pooch can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Not only do they have a furry friend who adores them unconditionally, but studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs have higher levels of social competence and self-esteem than those who don’t. [14]
Having the dog to play with can help children learn important social skills like empathy and responsibility.
So, if you want your little one to be the coolest kid on the block (and maybe even invent the next big thing), consider getting them a four-legged friend!
And there you have it, folks: owning the dog comes with a plethora of benefits! As I reflect on all the ways my furry friends have made my life better, I can’t help but wonder why everyone doesn’t have the dog.
From improved physical health to lower stress levels to a boost in self-esteem, dogs truly are man’s (and woman’s) best friends.
If you’re on the fence about adopting a pup, I say go for it! You won’t regret it, and you might even become the next dog park celebrity.
Odendaal, J. S., & Meintjes, R. A. (2003). Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs. Veterinary Journal, 165(3), 296-301.
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234.
Friedmann, E., Thomas, S. A., Son, H., Chapa, D., & McCune, S. (2013). Pet’s presence and owner’s blood pressures during the daily lives of pet owners with pre-to mild hypertension. Anthrozoös, 26(4), 535-550.
Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., & Thomas, S. A. (2013). Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 127(23), 2353-2363.
Cutt, H., Giles-Corti, B., Knuiman, M., & Burke, V. (2007). Dog ownership, health and physical activity: A critical review of the literature. Health & Place, 13(1), 261-272.
Brown, S. G., & Rhodes, R. E. (2006). Relationships among dog ownership and leisure-time walking in Western Canadian adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 30(2), 131-136.
McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2000). Dogs as catalysts for social interactions: Robustness of the effect. British Journal of Psychology, 91(1), 61-70.
McNicholas, J., Gilbey, A., Rennie, A., Ahmedzai, S., Dono, J. A., & Ormerod, E. (2005). Pet ownership and human health: A brief review of evidence and issues. BMJ, 331(7527), 1252-1254.
Ownby, D. R., Johnson, C. C., Peterson, E. L., 2002. Exposure to dogs and cats in the first year of life and risk of allergic sensitization at 6 to 7 years of age. JAMA, 288(8), 963–972.
Remes, S. T., Castro-Rodriguez, J. A., Holberg, C. J., Martinez, F. D., & Wright, A. L. (2001). Dog exposure in infancy decreases the subsequent risk of frequent wheeze but not of atopy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 108(4), 509-515.
Bernstein, J. A., Levin, L., Crandall, M. S., Perez, A., Lanphear, B., & Rea, W. (1999). A pilot study to investigate the effect of pet allergen reduction on immunoglobulin E levels and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to pet allergen. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 103(2).
Sundelin, T., Lekander, M., Kecklund, G., Van Someren, E. J., Olsson, A., Axelsson, J. (2015). Cues of fatigue: effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance. Sleep, 38(5), 559-567.
Kales, H. C., Gitlin, L. N., & Lyketsos, C. G. (2015). Assessment and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ, 350, h369.
Purewal, R., Christley, R., Kordas, K., Joinson, C., Meints, K., Gee, N., & Westgarth, C. (2017). Companion animals and child/adolescent development: A systematic review of the evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 234.
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My name is Alen Stefanovic, and I am the founder of the AwesomeSarplaninac.com. As an economist-trade manager, and web designer, I have a passion for the Sarplaninac breed (number 1 dogs for me). My father has been breeding these dogs since 1990, and through the website, I aim to share valuable information about nutrition, care, and training for both puppies and adult dogs. Whether you're a new or experienced owner, you'll find plenty of helpful tips and resources on the site. I wish you a pleasant stay.
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The Link Between Dogs and Confidence
Owning the pooch can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Not only do they have a furry friend who adores them unconditionally, but studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs have higher levels of social competence and self-esteem than those who don’t. [14]
Having the dog to play with can help children learn important social skills like empathy and responsibility.
So, if you want your little one to be the coolest kid on the block (and maybe even invent the next big thing), consider getting them a four-legged friend!