6 Reasons Why Owning A Dog Is Good For Your Health

Having a dog offers companionship, gives you an excuse to exercise, brings you happiness and provides entertainment. But did you know that owning a dog can also have potential health benefits, both mentally and physically, for you and your family? There is scientific evidence that touts some of the health perks of owning a pup. Take a look at how these six ways having a dog could be good for your health. 1. Stay active Dogs need to be exercised. They can’t be cooped up all day without having the chance to get up and run around. Having a dog encourages owners to take them for walks, play fetch, and get moving. And we all know how good exercise is for our mental and physical health. 2. Boost your mood Of course your dog is a good companion, maybe even your best friend. Having a dog can actually help improve mood and prevent depression in men or women. Pet owners only need to spend 15 to 30 minutes with their pet in order to feel more relaxed and calm. Spending time with your pooch can also raise the chemical levels in your brain associated with pleasure and tranquility. 3. Relieve stress Dogs have a calming effect on humans and can be good at helping us relieve stress. Studies have shown that people who have a dog actually experience less cardiovascular reactivity during times of stress. During stressful situations, dog owners’ heart rates and blood pressure tend to rise less and they return to normal levels faster than their non-dog owner counterparts. 4. Protect from he...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news