Dogs are reportedly man’s best friends but they could also be your protector, therapist, or even a savior at times. There are numerous benefits to owning a dog. They are devoted and loyal friends. They make you feel safe and guarded and they are a source of unlimited entertainment.
It is said that adopting a dog is the best decision one can make for themselves as well as the dog. Not only do these bundles of joy alleviate any sign of misery in your life, but also prove to be lifelong companions for their owners.
Of the hundreds of advantages that come with keeping a dog at home, we are going to take up the top five benefits of having a canine companion at home with you.
1. Wonderful Companions
If you’re in need of a buddy, then a dog is going to be the most loyal one for you. Dogs are famously known as man’s best friend and there is a reason for that. A dog will love you unconditionally and will always be a devoted companion.
A study in Japan in 2009 revealed that just looking into your dog’s eyes is supposed to raise the level of ‘Oxytocin’, also known as the ‘love hormone’ in one’s body. Therapy dogs are often recommended to help people who are battling depression.
Research shows that raising and caring for a dog is a highly successful way to alleviate depression. Older adults who own a dog are at a lower risk of being diagnosed with depression than non-pet owners.
2. Resistant to Allergies
It is true that dog dander triggers allergies in a lot of people. But statistics say that children who have grown up with a dog in the house are less likely to develop allergies than children who have grown up in dog-less homes.
The anti-allergy benefits often manifest right during Gestation. A study in 2017, published in a journal called Microbiome says that a bacterial exchange happened between a pregnant woman and her dog. The children, when born, were tested and it was found that they had two bacteria in their immune systems, ‘Ruminococcus’ and ‘Oscillospira’ because of this exchange. These two bacteria reduce the chances of Allergies, Obesity, Eczema, and Asthma in the human body. This is a major health benefit of owning a dog, especially for infants or growing children.
3. Great Motivators
Owning a dog probably means you work out more than those around you. These jumpy pets need a lot of outdoor play times and that means you need to devote time to playing or going running with them. On days you are not particularly motivated to go on that run, seeing your excited dog with his tail wagging by the door can give you just the right push to take out your jogging shoes. Taking your pet dog on a 30-minute walk every day can massively impact their and your health.
4. Strengthen Heart and lower the chances of Cardiac Arrest
A number of medical studies have found that petting one’s pet dog lowers
- A person’s heart rate,
- Lower blood pressure,
- Reduced cholesterol, and
- Lower levels of Triglyceride, contribute to a healthiercardiovascular system in a person and hence, reduced chances of heart disease.
In fact, dog owners statistically have healthier hearts than non-dog owners. Even dog owners who do suffer heart attacks have a better chance at recovery than those who don’t own dogs.
5. Detect Cancer
Yes, you read it right, lots of dog owners have reported their dogs sniffing, nudging or licking spots on their owner’s body that on testing have turned out to be cancerous.
Dogs are reported to be able to sniff and sense the signature scent of different types of cancer. Among others, they can detect:
- Colon cancer,
- Breast cancer,
- Prostate cancer, and
- Melanoma from the smell of people’s skin, breath, or bodily fluids.
So, as unbelievable as it may seem, owning a dog may literally save your life from fatal diseases like cancer and cardiac arrest.
It is true that adopting a dog comes with certain maintenance measures, veterinarian bills, etc. However, the degree of love and affection shown by these miraculous animals will make all the efforts completely worth it.
In case, you have already jumped the bandwagon of dog owners, do create a profile for your precious pup on our Monkoodog App to share your friendship with the rest of the world.
