Are Dogs a Man’s Best Friend?
This is a universal statement that most of us have grown up hearing. However, how much truth is there in the statement? Let’s find out. Dogs are known to be the best antidepressants out there, and several reasons back this statement to be a fact. From being service dogs to house pets, this cuddly animal has repeatedly proven worth it. The people who love them as pets prefer to keep them as companions.
Let’s talk about the positive effects of owning a dog on one’s physical and mental well-being. There is a long list of advantages such as lowered blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels, elimination of feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even symptoms of PTSD. It is truly amazing to think about these highly technical medical terms and their connection to dogs.
Comparison with Non-Dog Owners
There are numerous health benefits that dog owners have as compared to any other animal owner. As we discussed earlier, let us elaborate on how children and adults can benefit and increase their health simply by owning a dog.
The risk of asthma is known to be 2° in children, as well as getting rid of depression and loneliness in adults. According to a study in 2016, older dog owners are set to take 2,760 more steps per day compared to nonowners. This suggests an additional 23 minutes of walk time than the average person.
Outdoor Activities
A dog is an extremely playful being. Even if you have come home after a long day at work, your dog will energize you, and a simple walk outdoors will help you feel better about your bad day at work. Dogs love playing outdoors, and activities such as catching a frisbee or a ball are extremely productive as they distract you and engage you in physical work.
This way, dogs encourage you not to stay in one place and move around. We all know well enough how important physical activities are for our health, and simply by having a dog, especially a hyperactive and energetic one, you will be able to improve your life much more than without a dog.
No More Loneliness
Dogs are considered the most empathic and compassionate creatures of all. They are able to understand when their owners are upset or distressed; therefore, they will not let you feel alone as a result. This is a reason why many choose dogs as service animals.
Dogs take great pleasure in spending time with their owners and will always be there to provide unconditional love and support when you need it. Canines enjoy cuddling and love pats, a sweet gesture from their owners that will enrich the lives of dogs and people.
Dogs Increase Your Socialization
There are so many people out there who love dogs, but they would rather not keep one; however, their love extends to those who are bookkeepers. So if you are a dog owner, you would know this fact very well that most people would want to talk to you because they are interested in knowing about your dog when you are out with it at the park, outside your house, or while you are walking to work and your pet has accompanied you.
Even more, that research has proven that 40% of dog owners are more amicable than those who do not own dogs. Dog owners have an easier time making friends come. This quality is natural as the dog is an extremely lovable animal and radiates such good energy that anyone living with a dog is sure to be mirroring such loving energy as well.
Dogs Can Help Senior Citizens
While kids and young people love dogs because they motivate them to love themselves and invest in more physical activities, dogs also help senior citizens. For old people who can no longer take care of themselves in the house or outside, dogs are ideal for assisting them 24/7. Dogs help keep an eye on their old owners to ensure that no old man will fall off his chair in his sleep or no older woman will trip the stairs while left unattended. With its high alertness, a dog will help them cross the street and reach the park to return home on time.
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and direction which helps in making these activities such a pleasure to be involved in. If a senior citizen has left their house but cannot remember how to return, a dog’s sense of direction and strong memory will help them return home safely. This way, those responsible for the senior citizens can relax by trusting and relying on their dogs as dogs are known to be the best service animal, as we have discussed multiple times.
If not kept as a simple house pet, a trained dog is ideal for senior citizens and little children, as in case of any emergency, they can sense that danger and seek out help as soon as possible. A few dogs are trained to sniff out skin, kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer, among other things. Even in hospitals, trained dogs are kept to deal with Alzheimer’s patients as dogs soothe them and neutralize their emotions.
Conclusion
We hope that you found this article informative and that it has inspired you to take the next step toward improving your physical and emotional life by adopting a friendly dog. It is not a mere myth but proven science that dogs indeed are man’s best friend and that having a dog as a companion improves the quality of your life in ways that no other animal could.
