One famous quote goes, “if you want a friend, get a dog.” Although dogs make wonderful companions, their benefits go well beyond simple friendship. From lower blood pressure and heart health to weight loss, increased exercise, stress relief, protection against depression and anxiety protection against depression and anxiety protection; dogs offer numerous health advantages which can improve the quality of life for their owners.
Dogs make excellent companions and constant sources of affection, providing unconditional love that can ease feelings of loneliness or isolation. Dogs also provide invaluable practice of mindfulness; living in the present moment without dwelling on past or future events without thinking too far ahead. Spending time with your pet boosts oxytocin levels which makes you happier while alleviating symptoms of depression; their ability to sense emotions also allows you to express them more freely while relieving stress levels.
Studies have demonstrated that people who own pets experience reduced stress levels and an improved immune system even during times of serious illness or death. Researchers believe the benefits of owning a pet may even surpass any antidepressant medication in terms of mental health benefits.
Animals have many health and psychological benefits beyond reducing stress, including helping reduce blood pressure and increasing production of serotonin and dopamine. According to one study, people with borderline hypertension who adopted shelter dogs saw significant reduction in their blood pressure within five months; similarly those living with cardiovascular disease who own dogs report lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than those without pets; people who own dogs also have an improved chance of surviving after experiencing a heart attack as they can more likely return home independently following hospitalization.
Walking your pet or engaging with it for exercise is a great way to stay healthy and meet daily exercise requirements, according to one study. Women and men who owned dogs were 20% more likely to meet daily exercise guidelines; pet ownership also increases your chance of meeting new people, as many pet owners often start conversations while out walking their pup or at dog parks.
Due to their instinctual survival instincts, dogs tend to hide the early symptoms of illness so it can be hard to notice when something is amiss. Therefore, veterinarians recommend conducting additional tests for possible conditions that might not show up during physical exams. A complete blood count, electrocardiogram and urinalysis are three of the most frequently performed additional tests for dogs. These exams can identify hidden problems like anemia, leukemia or other infections which could pose risks to their wellbeing. These additional tests tend to be less costly and riskier than waiting until your pet exhibits obvious or detectable symptoms of illness before getting tested. Furthermore, preventive care visits for your geriatric dog or those with preexisting conditions is particularly crucial; thus making preventive care visits necessary.
