Have you been toying with the idea of getting a dog for a while? Maybe your kids are begging you, or perhaps you would really like to add a companion to your life. Many people worry about the responsibility of bringing in a new member of the family, but the truth is that the benefits far outweigh the risks in most cases. And – it turns out – that adopting a dog could be the best thing for you and for your family.
There are several positive ways that a dog helps to improve your overall health. Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits.
Dogs Are Good for Your Heart
Research has found scientific evidence that having a pooch in your life can reduce the chances of developing a cardiovascular disease. As Greatist notes, the American Heart Association has found that owning a dog can actually make it less likely that you have issues with cardiovascular disease. Not only can a dog warm your heart, but it turns out that they can protect it, too!
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Dogs can also be good for our mental health. Notable examples of this include projects that use dogs to help cancer patients, war veterans and those with PTSD to cope with their realities and learn to enjoy themselves again. Some universities have even started to use dogs for students to play with during stressful exam seasons. Their presence has been found to reduce anxiety, pain and depression.
Dogs Encourage Physical Activity
When you have a dog, odds are that you’ll be taking him or her for a walk periodically. While it might not seem like much, all of that walking can add up to some serious benefits for your body. Greatist points out that walking is one of the most effective low-impact exercises, which makes it a great way to boost your immune system and overall health while playing with your pup!
Stress Relief
Have you ever had a really bad day at work? What about a painful breakup? Of course you have. Well, dogs can help with that too. Studies have measured people’s levels of day-to-day stress both with and without pets and found that pet owners experienced improvements in mood once their pets were with them. The cure for a terrible day at the office? Turns out that it’s simply to head home and hang out your best furry buddy!
Tempering High Blood Pressure
Harvard Medical School has reported that simply petting a dog can reduce a person’s blood pressure and heart rate. That’s literally all it takes. This relaxing activity is simple to do and your pup is sure to love it, so it’s no wonder the therapy programs mentioned above are so effective!
Whether you’re going through a tough time or are the happiest you’ve ever been, adopting a dog can really make a difference in your life. Plus, adopting a pet is a two-way street, and for as much love and joy that you bring to your new puppy’s life, they will delight in your presence and show their affection for you in kind.
If you’re looking to add a new pup to the family, look no further than Pauley’s Pups. We specialize in small and toy dog breeds that are perfect for any size of home. Stop in and see us today in Ashland, Virginia, or call us at 804-798-7877 to learn more.