Benefits of Owning a Dog

People are always saying dogs are man’s best friend and they are a popular pet to have in the house, but what are the actual benefits of owning a dog? Read on to find out!

Physical benefits

Studies have shown that dogs can impact the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the risk as dog owners seem to have a lower blood pressure than non-dog owners as they can help calm and they tend to get more exercise. When petting a dog, it has been shown that the blood pressure goes down. Dogs are also associated with lower cholesterol levels, most dog owners had lower cholesterol than non-owners, these differences weren’t explainable by diet or smoking.

Dogs require a lot of exercise and should be walked for at least 15 minutes twice a day for mental and physical stimulation, this means having a dog encourages you to get out of the house and walk. This can help improve your cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones and decrease stress! Therefore, owning a dog can keep you fit and active!

Trying to lose weight is a difficult task, especially trying to keep motivated, however, having a dog means you need to exercise and there is no getting out of it. Your dog giving you those puppy dog eyes because they want to go adventuring is enough to motivate anyone into going out walking, right?

 Getting a dog whilst you have a child can help teach them responsibility, compassion, and empathy.

Emotional benefits

Not only can dogs benefit you physically but also emotionally! Dogs can help improve your social life by getting out and about whether meeting other dog owners on walks, at the park or going on community dog walks! Pet n Pony currently run a monthly dog walk in exciting different locations, where you can meet like-minded people, also allowing your dog to socialise. There will be a link below if you would like to get involved.

Studies have shown that when carrying out a task people were less stressed when their pet was with them than when their spouse or a supportive friend was with them. They also lower blood pressure, increase cardiovascular health, make us feel less lonely and help us live in the moment, all of which taking the stress off the body.

Dogs can even help reduce depression. They offer unconditional, uncomplicated love. They are always there whenever you need someone. Even when a depressed person tries to isolate themselves from friends and family their dog will always be there to provide the companionship they need. They help boost serotonin which is known as the ‘happiness hormone,’ because you need to walk them activities like these stimulate the production of serotonin.

Feeding and regularly exercising your dog allows yourself to get into a routine and creates a structure in your life.

There are many benefits to owning a dog however, they are a lot of responsibility and research should be taken seriously making sure you can take care of a dog and which breed is best for you!

Sometimes taking your dog for a walk is not an option maybe from the weather, illness for you or the dog etc so why not read the blog on things to do when you can’t go for walkies!

https://petnpony.co.uk/blogs/news/things-to-do-when-you-cant-go-for-walkies

Pet n Pony Dog Walk: https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/309224543052014/