GET A DOG, IT IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH! 

Did you know stroking a dog can lower your blood pressure? Not only are dogs great companions that can enrich your life, they can also help to improve your health.

History researchers speculate that dogs were first domesticated in Europe more than 15 000 years ago. Others believe that the first pets were found in China or Central Asia about 12 500 years ago. Whichever statistic is true, the strong connection between people and dogs has been around for a very long time.

The following are a few more reasons to love your dog and appreciate its valuable role in your life.

Boost Your Mood by Playing With Your Dog

The healing power of dogs have been used in many therapeutic situations, for instance in old age homes or with terminally ill kids. Merely interacting with your dog for about 15 to 30 minutes will leave you more calm and relaxed.

Playing with a dog triggers your brain’s neurotransmitters connected with tranquility and pleasure. Your brain starts releasing serotonin and dopamine, the body’s natural happy pills. Studies by psychologists at Miami and St. Louis Universities discovered that a four-footed companion can have the same benefits as a human companion.

Throw Away Your Pills and Hug Your Dog!

Studies show that dog owners have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and fewer heart attacks. Merely having a pet could potentially lessen your medical problems. Some studies even show that getting a dog while your child is still young, can lessen their susceptibility to allergies later in life. Kids with pets also have better immune systems in general.

Run Around With Your Dog

Your dog will help motivate you to get more regular and fun exercise. Taking your four-footed buddy for a regular walk, or maybe even a run if you’re very athletic, is beneficial for both of you. Even just throwing the ball to your dog is good exercise (much better than just sitting on the couch watching TV).

Your veterinarian will definitely encourage you to take your dog for a walk, every day if possible. Dogs need the exercise and stimulation to remain healthy and happy.

A Doggy Wingman (or Wingwoman)

Most people can’t resist stopping and petting a cute dog when they see one on the street or in the park. It’s a handy way to break the social ice if you struggle to talk to strangers. By visiting your local dog park regularly, you are bound to eventually run into a few familiar faces. It’s a very easy way to make friends. Calgary has 150 public off-leash areas in the multi-use parks. Request a copy of the off-leash map now to find one closest to your home.

Squeeze Your Dog Instead of a Stress Ball

Having a dog will help you to regulate your stress levels more effectively. Sometimes all we need to unwind is something that distracts us. Playing with your dog is a great way to relax after a busy day at work. And there’s nothing better than an ecstatic dog welcoming you home.

Adopt a Dog, Become a Better Person

People who are kind to animals can be trusted more in general life situations. Your dog will teach you commitment, patience, and selflessness. Becoming a dog owner is very similar to becoming a parent, you are stuck with your four-footed friend for its whole life. You have to become more responsible. A dog also demands much more attention than a cat, teaching you how to give more of yourself.

Give Your Dog an Extra Hug Today

There you go, you might have always suspected that your dog was good for your health. But now you have the facts to tell your non-dog loving friends why you enjoy your dog’s company so much. Owning a dog can be a highly fulfilling experience, even though it is a huge commitment.

What’s your favorite benefit of owning a dog? Can you see a difference in your life after becoming a dog owner?

About the Author – This article was contributed by Andy, who is the editor for theeverythingdogsite.com. Theeverythingdogsite.com is all about dogs and aims to help promote responsible dog ownership. You can follow theeverythingdogsite.com on twitter.