We all feel better with our pets around. Nothing compares to
a cuddle with your four-legged friend after a long day. The benefits of having
a dog, however, may be more than just mental and emotional. Numerous studies
have found that pets may have an impact on our physical well-being. Take a look
at some of the recent research and give your pup an extra hug for all the good
they bring you!
Dogs lower your blood
pressure. Although your stress levels may rise if your pup gets into
trouble, a recent University
of Maryland study showed
that dogs helped to lower their owners’ blood
pressure during daily activities. Under normal living conditions, dog
owners with regularly high blood pressure saw significantly lower levels with
their pet around.
Dogs keep you in
shape. Walking the dog may seem like it’s just for your pet’s benefit, but the
physical
activity that you get in return is good for you, too. Studies from the
American Journal of Public Health and the American Journal of Preventive
Medicine showed that children with family dogs were more likely to spend time
being active than those without pets. The studies also showed that adults with
dogs walked almost twice as much as those without dogs.
Dogs protect your
heart. A report from the American Heart Association released earlier this
year stated that dogs may protect their humans from heart
disease. While a key factor here is the amount of physical activity in dog
owners, decreased stress due to the presence of their dog helps owners keep a
low heart rate and lessens stress hormones in their bloodstream.
Dogs are like apples.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” so the saying goes, but could dogs also
keep you out of your doctor’s office? With so many specific health benefits to
owning a pet, dogs just might decrease the number of visits to your doctor. A
national study out of Australia
found that dog and cat owners made fewer
annual doctor visits and had a lesser need for medical services
altogether.
So take your dog for a walk, relax on the couch or give your
pet an extra pat on the head. It’ll be good for both of you!
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