Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

Aside from being a loyal companion and providing unconditional love, there are many more benefits to owning a dog. In fact, owning a dog is beneficial to your health and the health of your family in various ways.

For starters, owning a dog, or cat for that matter, is great for your heart. Not only do they fill your heart with love, pet owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Dog owners are less likely to dies form a heart attack than non-owners do and are more likely to live for 1 year after the heart attack.

From playing with your dog and taking him or her for a walk, dog owners are more physically fit and less likely to be obese than people without dogs.

Owning a pet is also great for children. Infants who grow up in homes with pets have fewer ear and respiratory infections. These children also have a lower chance of developing allergies than children without pets.

Pets also give children a lifelong companion and friend. Growing up around a dog teaches children about responsibility, from feeding the dog, to bathing and cleaning up the dog doo, children learn the value of taking care of a pet, which will translate to the rest of their life.

From a mental health standpoint, having a pet lowers stress and anxiety levels, lowers the risk of depression, and results in better moods and even more socialization. Think about it, simply playing with your dog or cat makes you happy and helps you forget about your daily stresses.

Here is an infograph detailing the health benefits of owning a pet:

At Pauley’s Pups, we believe owning a dog is an experience every child and adult should have. Life is not complete without the companionship and love of a dog. Take a look at the small dog breeds we sell and let us know if you have any questions. We welcome the opportunity to make your home a healthier one!

Post by Mark Pauley of Pauley’s Pups