Paws-itive Influence!

Dogs, a paws-itive influence!

 

Spending time with canine friends can be beneficial to our health. Having a dog, according to some studies, may be beneficial both physically and emotionally. Our four-legged friends offer unconditional love and support, which can be especially valuable during difficult times. People may believe we are looking after our canine companions, but really dogs look after us.

 

1. Dogs may help us feel less lonesome.

Dogs will be there for you even when people are unavailable. They provide unconditional loving, cuddles, and emotional support, all of which can help to prevent isolation and loneliness.

2. Dogs can be good for our heart.

Having a dog can help you live a longer life. According to research, dog owners had lower blood pressure and better stress reactions. Even living with a dog makes a difference—people who had previously suffered coronary problems had an even lower risk for mortality. How? Owning a dog is more than just feedings and cuddles, dogs need to be engaged, exercised and what better partner than you.

3. Dogs may help us de-stress.

Your canine buddy can provide comfort and alleviate your anxieties. Several studies have found that dogs and therapy dogs can help people cope with stress and anxiety. Petting a friendly dog can reduce blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, and muscular stress. Petting a dog even just for 10 minutes can have a huge positive influence.

4. Dogs can help us cope with crisis.

Recent studies discovered that military veterans with PTSD do better both physiologically and psychologically when they have a service dog. Veterans with a service dog had significantly fewer symptoms of PTSD and showed improved coping skills.

5. Dogs can motivate us to exercise.

Long walks on sidewalks, paths, and trails add up. According to a 2019 study, dog owners are roughly four times more likely to achieve daily physical activity recommendations than non-dog owners. Every week, dog owners walk their pets for almost 300 minutes. That’s about 200 minutes more walking than those who don’t have a dog.

6. Dogs can make us more approachable.

People may look more approachable in the presence of a dog. In another survey, researchers asked participants to assess people in pictures and observed that people appeared happy and more relaxed when they were joined by a dog. (Finding Puppy photographs on your camera roll shouldn’t be a problem; according to one survey, 65 percent of dog lovers confess to photographing their pooch more than their significant other.)

7. Dogs help us become even more sociable.

Walking with a canine friend can make us more personable and provide a topic for conversation. Consider how many times you’ve conversed with others, whether they’re your neighbors or new acquaintances at the dog park. According to the studies, around 40% of dog owners had a better time forming friends. Dogs are an excellent way to meet new people and develop new relationships.

8. Dogs are so endearing that we can’t help but fall in love with them.

Babies and puppies, like many infant animals, have several characteristics in common: large heads, round faces, and big eyes. These endearing characteristics have a name: Kindchenschema (baby schema). Humans respond to these “social releasers” by invoking an instinctive caretaker reaction. So, the next time you can’t stop watching a dog video, remember that those cute floppy ears and big, beautiful eyes are scientifically appealing.

9. Dogs can bring happiness.

Just gazing at a dog can make you happy: a 2009 study discovered that looking into your pup’s eyes increases your level of oxytocin, often known as the “love hormone.” Aside from the basic health benefits of dog ownership, dogs are natural mood boosters.

10. Dogs can help seniors with cognitive function and social connection.

The effects of dogs around elders have been proven to be beneficial in studies. According to one research study, pet therapy improves the brain function of long-term care individuals with mental illnesses. Another study found that agitated behaviors in elders with dementia were significantly reduced, as were social contacts.

Love without expectations. Dedicated companionship Constant amusement. Many dog owners agree that having a dog easily makes life better. Whether you’re taking your dog for a stroll or snuggling up in bed, having Fido around may help relax your mind, which benefits both your mental and physical health.