If you’re not a dog owner, well, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. If you are then we probably don’t to tell you all the reasons why dogs a great pets and are wonderful to have around. However, did you know that dogs are great for our health?
That’s right. They may not be very useful in helping you wash dishes, do laundry, or clean the house, but they do boost your health in many ways that you may have never thought about in this context. Below you’ll find some of the scientific ways dogs help their humans in their daily lives.
1. Dogs help boost your immune system
Despite popular belief, dog mouths are not cleaner than human mouths. Dogs have plenty of germs in their mouth which they may transfer to their humans through licking or breathing. These germs which aren’t found naturally in the human body can help boost the immune system and protect us from illness.
2. Dogs encourage us to exercise
Playing with your dog is a good form of exercise that can strengthen your bones and keep you physically active.
3. Dogs can sooth pain
Dogs are so warm and cuddly – they can serve as a heating pad!
4. Your dog is a great support system
If you feel sad, angry, anxious, or disappointed, your dog is there for you. They can easily sense if you’re not feeling well, and rest assured they’ll be there to give you a shoulder to cry on. Perhaps best of all, they’ll never judge you.
5. Dogs are effective stress relievers
Being around your fur-buddy can lift your spirit. That’s because they help release dopamine and serotonin which are responsible for making you feel happy.
6. Dogs encourage you to go outside
Staying indoors for long periods of time can cause you to become lazy. Your dog needs time outside and thereby encourages you to spend time outside too.
7. Dogs can help detect health problems
Service dogs are beneficial to people with disabilities, as we know. But they can also detect high blood pressure or dropping blood sugar. In some cases, they can also detect cancer.
8. Dogs can lower high blood pressure
Studies have shown that spending time with your dog can lower high blood pressure thanks to the fact that dogs help us relax.
(via littlethings.com)
Dogs can contribute greatly to your overall health and wellness. These pets are our best friends, and they know how to make us feel better inside and out.
