15 Ways Dogs Make Humans Healthier

Dog Playing

Dogs are known for their loyalty, love, and companionship. They are often referred to as man’s best friend for a reason. Not only do dogs provide emotional support and a sense of comfort, but they can also positively impact human health. Here are 15 ways that dogs can make humans healthier.

1. Decreased Stress and Anxiety

One of the most well-known benefits of owning a dog is their ability to reduce human stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that simply petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Interacting with a dog can also release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and relaxation. This is why dogs are commonly used in therapy and have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans and other individuals.

Dogs are also very intuitive and can often sense when their owners are feeling anxious or stressed. They may offer comfort by cuddling up next to their owners, licking their hands, or simply sitting by their side. This can provide a sense of calm and reduce anxiety and stress.

2. Improved Mental Health

Dogs can also have a positive impact on mental health. For individuals struggling with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, dogs can provide a sense of purpose, companionship, and routine. Owning a dog can also encourage socialization and reduce feelings of isolation, as dog owners may meet other dog owners at parks or during walks.

In addition, interacting with a dog can release endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals. This can lead to feelings of happiness and contentment. Caring for a dog can also provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with depression.

3. Increased Physical Activity

Owning a dog can also increase physical activity levels. Dogs require regular exercise, whether it’s going for a walk, playing fetch, or going for a run. By owning a dog, individuals are more likely to engage in regular physical activity, which can improve cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

One study found that dog owners walked an average of 22 more minutes daily than non-dog owners. Another study found that dog owners were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines set by the American Heart Association compared to non-dog owners.

4. Lower Blood Pressure

Interacting with dogs has been shown to lower blood pressure in humans. Studies have found that simply petting a dog can reduce blood pressure, especially in stressful situations. This may be partly due to the calming effect of interacting with a dog, which can reduce anxiety and stress. In addition, the physical activity associated with caring for a dog, such as walking them, can improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. 

Overall, owning a dog can provide a natural and effective way to reduce blood pressure, improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

5. Improved Cardiovascular Health

In addition to lowering blood pressure, owning a dog can improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that dog owners have a lower risk of heart disease than non-dog owners. This may be partly due to the increased physical activity levels associated with owning a dog and the stress-reducing effects of interacting with a dog.

One study found that dog owners had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than non-dog owners. Another study found that dog owners had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to non-dog owners.

6. Increased Immunity

Exposure to dogs and their dander can actually help build immunity to allergens and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma, especially in children. In fact, studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life.

Dogs can also help boost the immune system by promoting physical activity and reducing stress. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve immune function, while the stress-reducing effects of interacting with a dog can also promote immune health.

7. Improved Sleep

Dogs can also improve sleep quality and quantity in humans. A dog’s comforting presence can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, leading to more restful sleep. In addition, interacting with dogs can release endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals, promoting feelings of peace and contentment.

Research has shown that individuals who sleep with their dogs have better sleep quality than those who do not. The presence of a dog can provide a sense of security and comfort, leading to a more restful night’s sleep. However, it is important to note that dogs should not be allowed to sleep in the same bed as infants or young children due to safety concerns.

Overall, interacting with dogs can improve sleep quality and quantity, providing their owners with a valuable source of rest and rejuvenation.

8. Reduced Pain

Interacting with dogs has been shown to reduce pain levels, especially in individuals with chronic pain conditions. This is because the act of interacting with dogs can release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins help block pain signals and can provide a natural form of pain relief.

In addition, the presence of a dog can also provide emotional support, which can reduce feelings of pain and discomfort. Dogs can provide a sense of comfort and help individuals relax, which can also help alleviate pain. This is especially true for individuals who experience chronic pain, as they may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and social isolation, all of which can exacerbate feelings of despair.

9. Enhanced Socialization

Dogs can be excellent social icebreakers and help enhance their owners’ socialisation skills. Owning a dog often provides opportunities for social interaction with other dog owners, which can lead to new friendships and social connections. For example, dog owners may meet each other at dog parks, during walks, or at dog-related events and classes.

Dogs can also provide an easy conversation starter and can help break down social barriers. For individuals who struggle with social anxiety or shyness, having a dog can provide a sense of comfort and security in social situations. Dogs can serve as a buffer, providing a common interest or topic of conversation that can help individuals feel more at ease and confident in social situations.

10. Improved Cognitive Function

Interacting with dogs has been shown to improve cognitive function in humans, especially in seniors. This is because dogs can provide a form of mental stimulation that can improve cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

One study found that seniors who interacted with dogs for just a few minutes a day had improved cognitive function compared to those who did not interact with dogs. This may be due in part to the mental stimulation provided by caring for a dog, such as remembering to feed them, taking them for walks, and playing with them. In addition, interacting with dogs can also provide emotional support, which can improve mental health and cognitive function.

Service dogs can also be especially beneficial for individuals with cognitive impairments. Service dogs can be trained to perform specific tasks that help individuals with cognitive impairments, such as reminding them to take medication, alerting them to potential dangers, and providing balance support.

11. Reduced Depression

Dogs can also help reduce feelings of depression in their owners. The emotional support and companionship provided by dogs can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common symptoms of depression. In addition, the responsibility of caring for a dog can provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with depression. 

Interacting with a dog can also release endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment. Overall, owning a dog can provide a valuable source of emotional support and can help individuals manage symptoms of depression.

12. Increased Motivation

Owning a dog can also increase motivation levels in humans. The need to care for a dog, including providing food, water, and exercise, can provide a sense of responsibility and purpose. This can lead to a more structured daily routine and encourage individuals to engage in daily activities that they may otherwise avoid. 

For example, owning a dog can encourage individuals to get outside and be more physically active, even when they may not feel motivated. The presence of a dog can also provide emotional support and motivation, as their unconditional love and support can help individuals feel more motivated and encouraged in their daily lives.

13. Improved Mood

Interacting with dogs has been shown to improve mood in humans. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and support, and their presence can provide comfort, happiness, and joy. Interacting with dogs can also release endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals, which can lead to feelings of happiness and contentment.

In addition, owning a dog can provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with mood disorders. The responsibility of caring for a dog can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment, which can improve mood and self-esteem.

Overall, interacting with dogs can provide a valuable source of emotional support and can improve mood in humans. Their companionship and love can bring joy and happiness to their owners, and their presence can provide a valuable source of comfort and support during difficult times.

14. Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Interacting with dogs can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia in humans. The cognitive stimulation provided by dogs can improve memory and mental function, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. In addition, owning a dog can provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with cognitive impairments. 

Dogs can also provide emotional support and companionship, which can improve mental health and cognitive abilities. Research has shown that owning a dog can significantly lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia, making them a valuable asset in the fight against cognitive decline.

15. Reduced Loneliness

Dogs can provide a sense of companionship and reduce loneliness, especially for individuals who live alone or do not have regular social interaction. This is because dogs are social animals and crave companionship and attention.

The unconditional love and support provided by dogs can provide a sense of comfort and emotional support to their owners. The presence of a dog can also help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by providing a constant companion and friend. In fact, research has shown that owning a dog can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and increase social support.

Dogs can provide numerous health benefits to their owners, from improving mental health to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The bond between humans and dogs is built on love, trust, and loyalty. By owning a dog, individuals can improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being in numerous ways.

However, it is important to note that owning a dog also comes with responsibilities. Dogs require time, attention, and care, including regular exercise, grooming, and visits to the veterinarian. Before deciding to get a dog, individuals should carefully consider their lifestyle and whether they have the time and resources to properly care for a pet.

In addition, not all individuals may be able to own a dog due to allergies, housing restrictions, or other factors. In these cases, volunteering at a local animal shelter or spending time with a friend or family member’s dog can still provide many of the same health benefits. If you consider keeping your pets in the house, make sure to take care of their safety. Consider buying modern and advanced safety fencing systems for pets from Petstop.com and installing them in the garden area. This will protect your pets from any unwanted threats. 

Overall, dogs can have a significant positive impact on human health. The benefits of owning a dog are numerous, from improving mental health to promoting physical activity. By fostering a strong bond with their canine companions, individuals can improve their well-being and strengthen the special relationship between humans and dogs. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us below in the comment section regarding the discussion.