The Power of the Pup: The Health Benefits of Having a Dog
We might be a little biased, but we think dogs are a really big deal. From play time to nap time, we love them all, all the time. Having a dog provides companionship and unconditional love, but did you know there are other health benefits to owning a dog? Here are several health benefits you may not have known:
Improves overall health
Studies from the CDC, National Institute of Health and others have shown that dog ownership improves your overall health. They reduce anxiety, depression, and cholesterol and increase serotonin levels in the body.
Improves exercise
Completing the recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day can be challenging. However, those with dogs might find it easier due to the fact that owning a dog means participating in walks and playtime. Having a dog as a workout partner is also an added bonus!
Improves heart health
Dogs don’t just fill your heart, they make them stronger! Several studies show that dog ownership decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that a person’s blood pressure decreases when they pet a dog. Talk about the power of pups!
Improves socialization
Dogs are a perfect icebreaker topic. Likewise, they encourage us owners to get outside and go for walks, go to parks, and play. Ever met a fellow dog owner out and about and suddenly felt like you were besties? All of these factors increase our socialization and interaction with others (both two and four-legged friends).
-Written by Colleen Demling, Dogtopia’s Canine Behaviorist. With over 30,000 hours and 15 years of HANDS ON dog training experience, Colleen is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist. She is a frequent contributor to local and national media including Yahoo, The Huffington Post, Woman’s Day and many more. Colleen was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in the Pet Industry Network. She was also named a 2015 Woman of Influence and one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Pet Age Magazine. Learn more: https://www.dogtopia.com/meet-our-experts/
