The bond between a pet parent and their dog is like no other. Not only is this bond unbreakable, but there is also a multitude of health benefits, both mentally and physically, that come with owning a furry friend. Being a pet parent can help increase opportunities for physical activity and can even help manage loneliness and depression.
Here are 6 reasons dogs are great for your health and wellbeing:
Increased Physical Activity
Whether you go on a quick walk with your furry friend or a run around your neighborhood, moving with your pet helps increase your physical activity. According to experts, going on walks with your dog can promote engagement in a good habit around your physical activity. Unlike gym memberships and workout classes, going on a walk with your dog is free and provides quality bonding time.
Lower Stress and Anxiety
Cuddling on the couch with your dog, going on daily walks, or playing fetch all helps to release calming endorphins. This means that spending time with your pet helps increase your happiness and overall well-being. Studies have shown that having a pet present while completing a difficult task helps to reduce your stress levels. In fact, individuals had the lowest stress levels with their furry companion rather than having a friend or spouse present.
Increase Happiness and Decrease Depression
Humans find it important to feel connected to people and have a sense of purpose in life. Owning a pet helps to fulfill both of these basic human needs. Being a pet parent comes with companionship which helps manage depression, specifically in those who are sick or elderly. It’s been proven that adopting a dog or having a service dog helps improve your overall mood and health.
Increased Socialization
Whether it’s bumping into other dog walkers or engaging in a conversation about your furry friend, owning a pet provides more opportunities for socializing and building connections. According to studies, people who own a pet are perceived as friendlier by fellow neighbors which can be a result of increased engagement when outdoors.
Improved Immunity and Allergy Prevention
Having a pet in your home has been known to decrease a child’s chances of developing allergies by 33%. Owning a pet helps to build a stronger immune system for babies and children. This is most likely due to their hair and how it stimulates an immune response.
Childhood Development
It’s highly important that children experience emotional development because this helps them become healthy adults. Pets are great for children and especially those who have developmental challenges. Children with ADHD have a better time focusing when they have a pet because pets help to provide a routine. They are also very beneficial for children with autism because the sensory experience of petting a dog is calming. Whether you own a dog, cat, or bunny, animals are great for helping your children improve their emotional development.
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