It is a well-known fact that dogs are instant mood lifters. I can vouch for that. My dog is the best at making me smile after a stressful day. I’m such a dog fanatic that really any dog can make me smile. They’re just so cute and fluffy! How can you not love them? Dogs are good for many things, one of them being they promote better lifestyles for their owners. Do you want to live healthier? Get a dog! Here are 6 reasons why owning a dog will make you happier and healthier:
1. Dogs need walks.
Not only is this a valid form of exercise for your pup, it’s also a great form of exercise for you as its owner! You have to take your dog on a daily walk after it has been cooped up in its kennel all day or he will drive you crazy. My dog whines and whines until I finally grab his leash and take him for a stroll. A walk is a great form of exercise for you. It keeps your heart rate up while releasing endorphins, and it’s easy on your joints. A 30 minute walk a day is a great way to get into shape. And if you have a big dog, chances are you’ll be walking at a pretty fast pace!
2. Dogs love unconditionally.
Like I said before, dogs are definite stress relievers. They don’t care if your boss yelled at you. They don’t care if you cut someone off accidentally on your way home. They don’t even care if you forgot to feed them earlier. All they care about is you and when you will be home. I dare you to try not to be happy around your dog who is so excited you are home, he can’t even sit still!
3. Dogs lower your blood pressure.
It’s true! Dog owners have a significantly lower blood pressure than those without pets. Simply giving your dog a pat on the head is proven to decrease your blood pressure and lower your heart rate if you are moody or stressed out.
4. Dogs make you less depressed.
Giving your puppy a small belly rub is a great way to put you in a better mood. If you are mildy depressed, or even if you suffer from severe depression, a dog might be the right answer! Animals have been known to lift people out of their depressed state. When you have to take care of another living being, your body switches from focusing on your bad feelings to focusing on the well-being of your canine.
5. Dogs can see into the future.
Not really see into the future, but kind of! In a hospital, dogs have been known to foresee when a patient is going to have a stroke or heart attack. Some dogs have even been known to smell lung cancer! How crazy is that? A furry companion might be the right idea to keep an eye on the elders in your life.
6. Dogs are friendly.
This is obvious. But if your dog is friendly, he or she is far more likely to make you friendly as well. When you take your dog to the park and he starts sniffing another pup, take the opportunity to get to know the other dog’s owner. We need human interaction on a daily basis. Use your pup as a stepping stone to get to know new people!
About the author: Carly is a blogger for Smith Security, a company that provides home alarms. She is a huge dog lover and can usually be found playing fetch with her pup outside on a sunny day.
I’m going to have to share this with the hubby! I’ve been trying to talk him into us getting a dog…all he can think about it hair shedding and picking up the yard. Thanks!
Sam
http://cooksandcreates.blogspot.com/
(Found you on Skip to my Lou!)