by Tonia Hooper

Created on: January 08, 2010   Last Updated: January 09, 2010

Owning a dog has its pros and cons, as it is with any kind of pet. However, as an owner of multiple dogs, I feel that the pros far outweigh the cons. There are many good reasons to have a dog as a pet; here we will look at some of the benefits a dog owner enjoys. 

Health Benefits 

In today’s day and age where most of us search for ways to improve our health and reduce our stress levels many people overlook or take for granted the health benefits received as a dog owner. Below is a list of some of the ways our dogs improve our health. 

Lowers blood pressure- Playing with a dog is an enjoyable activity which elevates a person’s level of serotonin and dopamine, which are nerve transmitters known to have pleasurable and calming properties. Lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels- studies have shown that heart attack patients who own a pet have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the chance of heart disease. Reduces stress- There have been a host of studies done that shows that having a dog as a companion reduces stress, in fact the simple act of petting or stroking your dog gives the dog as well as the owner a calming effect. Encourages exercise- It is has been proven that dog owners are more likely to walk more frequently than non-dog owners.  Regular walk with your dog provides an enjoyable form of exercise. 

Social and Emotional Benefits 

Dogs are loyal, intelligent, and their trainability makes them ideal candidates for pet therapists. Some of the social and emotional benefits of owning a dog are: 

Improves mood- having a dog who gives you their unconditional love and affection makes it hard to be depressed. Studies have shown that people who have pets are much less likely to suffer from depression. Researchers indicate that Alzheimer’s patients suffer fewer outbursts when they have a dog as a companion. Free therapy- We all know the benefits of talking our problems out with a good and dependable friend. Dog owners know that dogs are good listeners, they can keep a secret, they are great to snuggle with and enjoy spending quite time with you. Dogs are the best therapy you can get and you don’t have to pay to have someone listen when you want to talk! Social support- dog owners are more approachable, they are used to people starting conversations with them concerning their dogs, especially when they are out walking the dog. Just owning a dog gives us more opportunities to meet people and increase our network of friends. Improves family bonds- Owning a pet teaches children responsibility by learning to take care of their dog in addition to being a great playmate. Any pet owner can tell you that pets quickly become part of the family and are a great common bond within families. Adds structure and stability to your life- owning a dog can be a large responsibility, but this can also add structure and stability to your life by giving you a routine to follow every day in caring for your dog. 

If you are in need of a companion consider the benefits of owning a dog. Before getting a dog or any pet consider the responsibilities that come with pet ownership; consider the size and breed and needs of a dog before committing yourself to seeing to the welfare of any animal. The needs and requirements of a dog pale in comparison to the benefits and rewards a owner receives; you will be richly rewarded in so many ways when you find that companion that is just right for you.

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