Dog owners are healthier!
Posted by RSVP on
A general sense of well being and enjoyment is what we all feel when we take our beloved pooch for his or her daily walk but did you know that the health benefits of owning a dog go way beyond this and could actually prolong your life?Scientific evidence has shown that, among other things, owning a dog reduces anxiety and stress, lowers high blood pressure and generally improves a person's general health. Let's look at the benefits in more detail...
Mood enhancers
Nothing improves your mood more than a couple of adorable puppies looking up at you or playing with your dog in the park. Research shows that pets have a number of mood-enhancing benefits. In fact a recent study found that men with AIDS were less likely to suffer from depression if they owned a pet. (Men with AIDS who didn't own a pet were three times more likely to report symptoms of depression than men without AIDS; however men with AIDS who did own a pet were only 50 percent more likely to report symptoms of depression compared to men without AIDS.)
Encourage fitness and exercise
All dog owners will know the constant 'bantering' from your dog if you don't walk them; so whether you feel like it or not you do end up walking your dog at least once a day. In doing this you are exercising and therefore increasing and maintaining your fitness levels, improving your overall health and promoting stress relief.
Reduce and control blood pressure
While drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren't as effective when it comes to controlling stress and tension related spikes in blood pressure. However owning a dog can not only help you keep your blood pressure down but it can also help you manage it long term.
Reduce Stress
Stress affects most of us in today's busy climate but the good news is that your dog can help you reduce your stress levels. A new study shows that just spending time with your dog can be more beneficial in reducing stress than a supportive friend or even a spouse!
Companionship and support
We've all had times when you've felt down and there hasn't been anyone there for you to help you through it and lift your spirits... except your dog. Pets are often there for you in ways that people aren't, they offer love and friendship and they just want to be around you, whether you feel like chatting or not. They also love a good cuddle which is sure-fire way to make you feel better! In fact, research shows that nursing home residents reported less loneliness when visited by dogs than when they spent time with other people!
A dog can make you more approachableIt's true! And this is very important for all you singles as meeting new people is high on the priority list. When you are out and about with your dog, people often see this as an excuse to stop and chat... so make the most of the magnetism and put on a big smile and a welcome face, you never know who you could meet!
So, go and give your dog a big cuddle (and a tasty bone) because they give us all so much more than we realise!