10 Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Did you know that there are physical and mental health benefits of having a dog? Read this article to find out more about how man's best friend can benefit you.

Did you know that Americans own around 90 million dogs?

Not only are dogs cute and cuddly, but they can also work wonders for your overall well-being. For many pet owners, their canine companions are the heart of their family.

So what are the mental and physical benefits of having a dog? Keep reading to learn 10 impressive ways your life will change for the better after you bring your new furry friend home.

1. Dogs Love to Keep You Company

Out of all of the benefits of adopting a dog, there's nothing more special than welcoming unconditional love into your world. Even if you rarely suffer from loneliness, it's still comforting to know that you always have a sweet, cuddly pup waiting for you to come home. Dogs think their owners are the most wonderful people in the universe, so your heart will be full whenever you get greeted with kisses and snuggled into on the couch.

2. Your Stress Levels Will Go Down

Over half of adults report feeling stressed for a large portion of their day. High levels of stress wreak havoc on both your physical and mental health, which means it's essential to find ways to cope. One of the fastest and easiest ways you can restore your calmness is to pet a dog.

Petting an affectionate dog is known to slow down your heart rate, help you take deeper breaths, and soothe your muscles.

3. It's Easier to Maintain a Healthy Weight

There are tons of physical health benefits of having a dog. Our pets need to go on walks every day, which encourages us to get our cardio in, too. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, then adopting a dog can be the perfect push you need to get your body moving. While you're outside, you can enjoy soaking up the fresh air and sunshine, which helps your body produce vitamin D.

4. They Can Help Us Cope With Emotional Situations

Dogs are empathetic creatures and their main goal is to keep you happy all the time. Dogs can sense shifts in your mood and they'll do what they can to help you feel better. All dogs have this natural gift, but people with PTSD and other mental health conditions can seek out therapy dogs who have special training to help people cope.

5. You'll Be Much Happier

Dogs live in the moment and find joy in the littlest things. Their beautiful attitudes can influence us to have a more positive outlook on life as well. There are a lot of benefits of having a dog for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions as well, which means everyone can experience more joy.

6. Your Heart Will Be Stronger

When you combine feeling less stressed with building an active lifestyle, the final result is a strong heart. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America, so it's important to take as many precautions as possible to age gracefully. Owning a dog will decrease your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and other related issues.

7. Dogs Can Help Provide Medical Care

One of the most unique health benefits of having a dog is that you can keep a little doctor by your side at all times. Many people with serious health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy have service dogs that are trained to detect trouble before their owners are even aware of their symptoms. Since dogs' senses are much more powerful than ours, they can tell when a diabetic's blood sugar levels are low and give them a nudge so they can take insulin or eat something to prevent an emergency.

8. Dogs Will Protect You With Their Lives

Adopting a larger dog can give you extra peace of mind that your home will be guarded. Dogs will go to any length to keep their families safe, even if it means putting themselves in the line of danger. If your dog's super-sensitive ears pick up something suspicious, they'll let you know right away so you can have time to take action and keep your home secure.

9. You Can Adopt a Healthier Routine

Humans are creatures of habit, but with more people working from home with flexible hours and getting lots of exposure to blue light before bedtime, many of us can struggle to maintain a healthy schedule. Dogs love routines, which means they'll motivate you to wake up at an ideal time, get some outdoor exercise, and even eat at the same time as them. If you ever feel like you need more structure in your life, a dog will be your ultimate coach.

10. Dogs Help Us Make New Friends

One of the lesser-known mental health benefits of having a dog is that you'll have plenty more opportunities to meet new people. When an adorable dog is by your side, you'll look more approachable and you can strike up conversations with anyone who wants to give your dog some pats. In addition to making new friends, you may also notice you're luckier in the dating department since people tend to rate dog owners as more attractive.

Are You Ready to Reap These Health Benefits of Having a Dog?

Now that you've learned about the top physical and mental health benefits of having a dog, you can decide if you're ready to grow your family. Whether you live alone, have children or anything in between, you'll have no trouble finding a dog that can fit into any type of home.

Are you thinking about adopting a dog in the Dallas, Carrollton, or DFW area? If so, K-9 Culture has everything you and your new companion need to thrive. From dog training programs to grooming and boarding, contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help.

K9 Culture

Serving the Dallas Metro Area

972-245-1587