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Owning a Dog is a little like owning a piece of love. An excitable, fluffy, non-verbal piece of love that follows you around and is always happy to see you. Have you ever noticed that when you get home from work, even if the day has been long and hard, your mood instantly lifts when you see your dog? Spending time with a pet in the home can have a very fast impact on your mood and health and can make you feel better.

Dogs improve your health and this isn’t just because of the relationship you can have with the fur ball who takes up half the couch. You attach to an animal because of their loyalty and when you become attached to a new dog, you care for them like a member of the family. You worry about their wellbeing, so pay for fantastic pet insurance to make sure in times of an accident or hurt they are well taken care of. You buy them comfy beds to sleep in in the home, despite the fact they’d rather curl up on the couch. You peruse the options for their food and worry is this the right food for my dog? You may care for your animal, but there are ways that your dog does wonders for you and these are some of those ways:

1. Heart health: Your dog could save you from developing heart disease. Dog owners take longer walks, resulting in lower blood pressure and being fitter than those who don’t have a dog to walk. Studies have shown that people who own dogs and have heart issues live longer than those who don’t. That right there is a good reason to ensure you get yourself a new pooch!
2. Stress relief: We all need a hug and a dog provides a comfort that even some humans cannot. The level of sheer loyalty you get from a dog means that they have your interests at heart and stroking a pet, having their weight against you in times of sadness and generally grooming them is good for you both. It reduces the stress hormone in the body and produces a relaxation hormone instead.
3. Connection: Dogs are magnets for people, so when you’re in the park on the latest walk you can strike up a conversation with other dog owners, make new friends and generally be able to smile. If you’re feeling rather lonely, it’s a great way to meet others.
4. Disability help: There are many dogs that are bred to help those with disabilities, but for those in wheelchairs due to mobility issues, a dog can be a lifesaver. Getting out of the house is a necessity for walking the dog which makes it harder to sit indoors and contemplate depression.
5. Allergies: Children raised with dogs are less likely to develop allergies and have fewer illnesses as a child as a result of a dog in the home. Being exposed to a new pet as early as possible can help this resistance to develop.

Dogs are fantastic companions and as much as we worry for their health, they worry for ours.