The Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Dogs, are amazing for our health. If you have been struggling with either your physical or mental health in recent years, think about getting a dog if you can afford one. This post covers some of the health benefits of having a dog.

You Get More Exercise Owning a Dog

As much as we try to get enough exercise every week, it can sometimes be difficult to get enough for our bodies purely due to the time and effort it takes us to get out to the gym or our yoga class. However, when you have a dog at home, you have a whole new reason to exercise.

Dogs need to be walked at least once or twice depending on their breed, and therefore you have no choice but to get up and get moving. This is a great thing because it forces us up and makes sure that we get enough movement and steps in each day.

Dogs Lift Your Mood

When we suffer from issues such as depression or anxiety it can sometimes be a result of feeling alone in the world. If you feel as if you are lonely, by getting a dog, you will start to see a huge difference in your mood.

Every day when you wake up your dog will be there to greet you, they will be happy when you come home and you’ll get lots of cuddles and kisses from them. You’ll start to feel needed and it’s amazing.

Dogs Help You Socialise

It can be overwhelming trying to talk to new people and it can often feel as if you are being crushed under a weight when you join a big conversation.

However, having a dog can help you learn how to socialise because dog people are incredibly friendly. On your walks, you will start to recognise people and they will say hello, and over time it will feel like second nature to start up a conversation with them.

Dogs Reduce Anxiety

Dogs are incredibly good at reducing anxiety. When you start to feel as if you are becoming anxious and overwhelmed, reach for your dog and let them comfort you.

Owning a dog and being responsible for them will also help you to increase your confidence and therefore you will feel much happier as a result.

Dogs Give You a Routine

If you are unorganised as a rule, having a dog can make you change these ways and have a solid routine. In the morning you’ll have to let your dog out to go to the toilet, feed them, and take them for a walk.

You’ll go to work, come home, let them out, feed them and walk them once more. Having a routine like this to stick to can help you figure out what time you have in the day to do your hobbies and chores, and therefore it can make life much easier to deal with.

In Conclusion

Dogs are not just pets, they are companions that bring a multitude of benefits to our lives. They help us exercise more, lift our mood, aid in socialising, reduce anxiety, and even help us establish a routine. The bond between humans and dogs is a special one that has evolved over thousands of years. So, if you’re considering getting a pet, remember that a dog isn’t just a commitment, it’s an investment in your health and well-being.