Why Dogs Make Us Happier and Healthier

People who own dogs have a greater sense of purpose, stronger connections with their communities, and even greater self-confidence. Dogs are also great for your physical health: petting dogs has been proven to lower stress levels, increase relaxation, and decrease blood pressure. Anyone who owns a dog knows that they’re fantastic companions and bring a lot of joy into our lives. But what exactly is it about dogs that gives them this power? With so many different dog breeds out there, all with different personalities, how do we explain the universal benefits that every dog has on their owners? There is no one answer to this question because there are so many variables involved; however, scientists have discovered some pretty convincing explanations as to why dogs make us happier and healthier. Let’s take a look at some of these findings:

Dogs Help Us Feel More Connected to Our Communities

People with dogs feel more connected to their community than those without dogs. This is especially true for people with limited mobility who may not be able to walk to local shops and cafés alone. Having a dog means you have a companion for going on walks, which allows you to engage with the world around you. Dogs are great for the environment: they go to parks and visit other places in the community where animals aren’t allowed, and they help break down social barriers, making people more comfortable by letting them pet your dog. Studies have shown that people who walk their dogs are twice as likely to meet their neighbours than those who don’t have a dog. And even if you don’t walk your dog, dogs can still help you connect with people in other ways by giving you an easy topic of conversation that everyone can enjoy!

Dogs Make Us Feel Purposeful

Dogs make us feel more purposeful and connected to the world around us. You don’t just have a dog, you have a job to do, too — taking care of your dog. This purpose can be especially important to people who are retired or may be dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Owning a dog can give you something to do every day and make you feel more connected to the world around you. Dogs are also incredibly responsive to human needs and are excellent at sensing when someone needs comfort. Having a dog can give you a friend to talk to when you need to express your feelings and feel less alone.

Dogs Help Us Build Self-Confidence

Dogs are a great way to build confidence in children, especially those with special needs or living in difficult home situations. Dogs are non-judgmental and don’t care if you make mistakes, which makes them excellent teachers for children who need to learn how to be less self-critical. Dogs can help calm children with anxiety and help them learn to regulate their emotions. Researchers found that children who participated in therapy with a dog present were much more motivated and confident in their ability to succeed in therapy. Dogs can also help us build confidence in adults by giving us a new skill to learn. Owning a dog often necessitates learning new skills, like how to train your dog and how to care for their physical needs. Making a commitment to a dog can help you feel like you have more control over your life.

Dogs Help Us Reduce Stress and Depression

Dogs can help reduce stress and depression in adults and children, and they’re especially helpful in seniors. Owning a dog can help you feel less stressed by providing a companion who just wants love and attention, and a friend who doesn’t judge you when you’re having a bad day. Dogs are also great socializers and help get you out and about in your community. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and being trapped in your house. Dogs can also help you sleep better by keeping you company while you’re sleeping and providing comfort when you have nightmares.

Dogs Help Improve Our Physical Health

Dogs can help improve our physical health in a few different ways. First, dogs can help us break out of our sedentary lifestyles by going on walks and encouraging us to get outside more often. This has been proven to help prevent heart disease and diabetes, among other physical ailments. Dogs can also help us build our strength and flexibility by encouraging us to play with them. Dogs love to play fetch and tug-of-war, which are great ways to get moving without realizing you’re exercising. Dogs also encourage us to eat healthier by begging to be fed less processed food. They can be great motivators to cook more often and eat more fresh, whole foods.

Conclusion

Dogs have been helping people feel happier and healthier since the dawn of time. Their unconditional love and companionship is unlike that of any other friend or family member. They’re great for breaking down social barriers, getting us moving, and helping us build confidence in our skills. Dogs are unapologetically themselves, and their joy is infectious. It’s no wonder that dogs make us happier and healthier: they’re truly the best friend anyone could ever have.