Taking care of dogs over their lifetimes is a lot of work, as you can see if you just take a quick glance at the front page of Sundance Retrievers’ blogs. There’s so much to consider and so much to watch out for and so much to be prepared for. But we do it for a reason… Dogs are awesome and they bring so much more to our lives than the energy we have to expend to have them. It turns out, though, if you dig deeper into science, having dogs is good for you.
For real — there’s actual evidence out there that having dogs is good for you mentally and physically, and that it’s especially good over your lifespan. As we get older, dogs give us more and more.
If you read about the idea of the blue zones, for example, and what it takes to live a long and healthy life, you’ll see companionship is a huge component, and this can, of course, include our dogs. They also talk about exercise, and we know dogs impact the amount of time we ourselves are moving.
So let’s take a closer look at why and how having dogs is good for you.
Mental Health and Dogs
Loneliness
Feeling lonely is a major risk factor in many disease processes. Having dogs around creates a sense of belonging. They are unconditional love wrapped in lovely fur suits. ((smile)) We often think we are there for our dogs but it’s really the other way around.
Stress Busters
Stress is another major risk factor along with loneliness, and dogs are great stress busters. Just petting your dog for ten minutes can lower your blood pressure, slow your breathing, and relax tense muscles. Being able to cuddle with your dog during moments of stress can help to bring you back into your body and into the present moment.
Crisis and PTSD
Dogs have been proven to help those suffering from PTSD to have fewer symptoms and also decrease the intensity of symptoms that are still present. In times of crisis, again, a dog can keep you in the now.
Happiness
Being around dogs, petting and hugging our dogs… just seeing a dog… all of this can help to release oxytocin or the “love hormone.” This adds to our overall well being and happiness.
Socializing
We think we have to work with dogs to help them to socialize (and we do) but you might not notice that your dog also makes you more social. How many delightful interactions with strangers do you have thanks to your dog?
Physical Health and Dogs
Heart Health
As we already mentioned, petting your dog for ten minutes can lower your blood pressure and slow your breathing. And dogs reduce your stress. Both of these things have been proven to decrease risk of death from heart disease. Dogs literally extend your life.
Movement
People who have dogs, in general, take more walks. And the more walks you take, the more health you cultivate. A study showed that dog owners are four times more likely to meet recommended daily movement goals. Over the long run, dogs will help you maintain mobility and balance.
Brain Health
In elders (humans, that is), it’s been shown that interactions with dogs increase cognitive function in those with mental illness, and decrease agitated behavior in those with dementia. And there’s research that supports using therapy dogs during rehabilitation for nervous system conditions, such as strokes, seizure disorders, and brain traumas.
Get a dog. You will be healthier.