Owning a dog make our lives considerably better with their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty. As such, dog owners don’t particularly need a scientific reason as to why dogs are the best. However, to have that warm fuzzy feeling in our hearts backed by scientific facts makes having a furry friend that much better. Here are the top 8 scientifically proven facts on how owning a dog benefits your well-being.
1. Dogs are proven stress-relievers:
Playing with your dog or even petting him can significantly lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Studies show that dogs can help people who take medications for blood pressure by reducing their stress hormones while relieving muscle tension.
2. Dogs are great for your heart:
A study conducted by the ‘American Journal of Cardiology’ reported that people with dogs have a better rate of survival from heart attacks than the people who don’t. This statistic has been attributed to the bond between humans and dogs that helps reduce stress, a leading cause of heart problems.
3. Dogs help with socialization:
Dogs are not only our best friends but help make us new friends as well. Dog owners often find themselves stopping to talk to others while walking their furry friends. A study found that people who own pets have better relationships with their families and communities. The young adults of a family with dogs grow up to become more empathetic and confident.
4. Dogs offer unlimited happiness:
Dog owners are familiar with the joy they get by just looking at their dogs. A research found that staring into your dog’s eyes raises the ‘love hormone’ aka oxytocin. While looking for ways on how to discipline a puppy and rewarding them for every trick done right, we teach ourselves to be more patient and giving. Several studies have also proven that a dog can help relieve depression. Depression is more likely to affect seniors with weak family and social ties. Seniors without dogs are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with depression as compared to their counterparts.
5. Dogs are your exercise buddies:
With every walk you take with your buddy, you do yourself a major benefit as well. Dog owners exercise and move their bodies more than non-dog owners. Studies show that dog owners walk up to 300 minutes a week while those who don’t walk 168 minutes per week.
6. Dogs features a life-saving snoot:
Not only can you ‘boop’ your dog’s snoot, but it can also be trained to detect cancer. In the U.S., some dogs are trained to sniff out peanuts to help people, especially children, avoid severe peanut allergies. Diabetic people can also rely on trained dogs to help sniff out a low blood sugar level.
7. Dogs tug on your heartstrings:
Looking at a dog’s face can instantly make you want to take care of him. Based on a study, this is because a dog’s facial features possess an ‘infant schema,’ which makes humans take up a caregiver role.
8. Dogs make you approachable:
People become instantly attractive when accompanied by a furry friend. A UK study shows that people are more likely to be approached when they’re with a dog. All the more reason for singles to own a dog!
These are the top 8 scientifically proven reasons for you to own a dog and benefit from their presence. Dog owners revel in caring for their dogs, and their dogs care back for them. These science-based facts only help further strengthen the bond between human and canine.