10 benefits of owning a dog (according to science)

A study shows several psychological and health benefits of having a canine as a pet.

Those of us who have or have had a dog know that its presence can make us tremendously happy.. 

This fact is demonstrated in the II Scientific Analysis of the Affinity Foundation on the Bond between People and Companion Petswhich for its research has counted on a sample of 6,000 subjects, and which affirms that 74% of the Spanish population assures that living with a dog makes them or would make them happier..

Half of Spanish families, 43%, live with a pet at home. The dog is the favorite pet. And of course, over time, the emotional connection between caregiver and pet becomes visible. According to data from this study, 31% of Spaniards consider their dog or cat more important than their friends. In addition, 71% say they communicate regularly with their pet.

Benefits and advantages of owning a dog

Dogs are great friends and are the preferred companion animal for many because they endear themselves to us. Dogs treat us in a particular way, without judging us.

But what are the benefits of having a dog at home? what are the benefits of having a dog at home? How does this domestic animal affect our health? Here is a list of the 10 benefits of having a dog, both psychologically and in other important aspects of your health and well-being.

1. Helps you exercise

All of you who have dogs will have enjoyed those afternoons walking with them.. Other pets provide many benefits, but it is not very common to take a cat (who usually enjoy more freedom) or a rabbit for a walk. Dogs need to get out of the house to relieve themselves several times a day, and they need long walks to enjoy a healthy life. Accompanying them on these walks also benefits you, as walking is an excellent aerobic exercise.

Did you know that walking helps you sleep better, increases life expectancy or reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease? If you want to know more about the benefits of walking, you can consult this article.

2. A more active social life

But going for a walk with your dog is not only an excellent opportunity to lose weight and enjoy better cardiovascular health thanks to physical exercise. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people.

The parks where dogs usually go to run around are full of people who enjoy the same hobby as you: having a pet. Could it be an excellent opportunity to meet new people? Who knows. That's up to you.

• Recommended article: "10 tips for flirting (and how you should never seduce)".

3. An excellent therapeutic tool

Within the Animal Assisted Therapies (AAT), the most commonly used animal is the dogIt is a pleasant pet that provides many psychological, social and physical benefits. Children, adolescents, elderly people, mentally ill, etc. benefit from the company of dogs, as they are a therapeutic resource that helps to achieve benefits and improvements in people.

• To learn more about therapy with dogs you can read this post: "The benefits of therapy with dogs".

4. Better cardiovascular health

Having a dog improves your cardiovascular health. Not only because it allows you to exercise, but because the simple fact of petting a dog reduces heart rate and Blood pressure.

Research carried out in China found that dog owners have the lowest cholesterol levels and are more likely to survive a heart attack. and are more likely to survive a heart attack.

5. You will be less stressed

There have been a lot of studies that have shown that dogs decrease stress levels. Petting your dog, playing with your dog, or just noticing your dog's affection can reduce your stress level on a daily basis.. Science shows that having a dog reduces the stress-related hormone cortisol.

6. You will feel safer

Dogs can be an effective security systemIn addition to alerting you to the presence of strangers with their barking, dogs are also protective of their owners. Surely, if you need help, he will be there to protect you. Undoubtedly, dogs increase your sense of security.

7. Makes you happier

Dogs are a perfect companion because they are there for us in good times and bad. In fact, loneliness can increase the risk of death and dogs won't leave you alone.

Researchers have shown that dog caregivers are less likely to suffer from depressionBeing in the care of these animals provides valuable companionship and helps people to be more positive. As we said at the beginning of the article, 74% of the Spanish population assures that living with a dog makes them happier. The data speaks for itself.

8. It makes you resistant to allergies

Despite the fact that dogs can be the worst nightmare for those who are allergic to these pets, growing up in a house with dogs helps to prevent allergies, growing up in a house with dogs helps children develop fewer allergies later in life..

That's according to a study conducted by a group of researchers at the University of Cincinnati. Interestingly, cats have the opposite effect: they increase the likelihood of developing allergies.

9. They entertain you

Dogs can be a lot of fun and can give you a great time. In fact, even at an early age, children enjoy the company of these pets.

As we get older, having a companion to go for a walk on the beach, to run or just to play a little with the ball, entertains us and allows us to have a great time, entertains us and allows us to spend great moments with him..

10. It makes you responsible

Having a dog is a great responsibility. Therefore, having a dog as a pet can make you learn great life lessons. You have to feed them, take them out to do their needs, they need to be educated, etc.

Having a dog requires discipline, motivation and also requires a correct economic management. Unfortunately, there are people who buy one on a whim and then realize that a dog needs to be cared for. That is why it is important to send a final message: let's love dogs as they love us..