If you have a pet, you know how much joy and love they can bring. In fact, all that love and joy comes with major benefits for our overall well - being. While just looking at a cute dog can be enough to make us smile, they also help us live better lives every day. Dogs are a source of endless love and happiness, but they also give us so much more .
COMPANIONSHIP
Isolation and loneliness can lead to symptoms of depression, making companionship a critical part of a healthy life. Whether you’ve been gone five minutes or five hours, when you walk in the door, your four-legged buddy will make you feel like the most important human on the planet. Dogs are known for their loyalty, and some will even make sure you never venture too far out of sight.
MEET NEW PEOPLE
When you have your dog by your side, a simple walk around the block or trip to the park can lead to making new friends. Dogs make great icebreakers when around new people and can give you a confidence boost to try new social situations because you know they will steal all the attention.
INCREASED EXERCISE
Dogs need daily exercise; even senior canines enjoy a stroll down the street to smell the grass. Whether you’re walking, running or going for a hike, both you and your pup are benefiting! Exercising with your dog helps to deepen your bond and keep you both happy and healthy.
ADD STRUCTURE TO YOUR DAY
Having a dog can help get you out of bed in the morninG and keep you busy throughout the day. After all, pets need exercise, food, water and attention. Dogs also always seem to know when it’s time for a w-a-l-k or for dinnertime, so even if you lose track of time, you can count on your pooch to get you back on schedule.
REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Dogs can provide comfort , ease stress and build confidence for people who struggle with anxiety. Taking time to pet your dog can help lower blood pressure and calm you down . Since dogs don’t care about the world’s stressors, they can encourage you to be more mindful and live in the moment.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A DOG
If you’re thinking about getting a dog to improve your mood and gain companionship, there are a few things you need to consider. While dogs enhance our lives, they are also a major, long- term commitment that requires time , money and patience.
That said, you don’t have to own a dog to benefit from them. You can experience the mood-boosting powers of dogs by pet sitting, volunteering at your local shelter or making a new friend who has a dog.
