10 benefits of having a dog (according to science)

Those of us who have or have had a dog know that their presence can make us tremendously happy .

This fact is demonstrated in the II Scientific Analysis of the Affinity Foundation on the Link between People and Animals of Company, that for its investigation it has had a sample of 6,000 subjects, and that it affirms that 74% of the Spanish population say that living with a dog makes you or will make you happier .

Half of Spanish families, 43%, live with a pet in their home. The dog is the favorite pet animal. And of course, over time, the emotional caregiver-pet connection becomes visible. According to the data of this study, 31% of Spaniards consider their dog or cat more important than their friends. In addition, 71% say they communicate regularly with their pet.

Benefits and advantages of having a dog

Dogs are great friends and are the pet of choice for many because they make each other want. Dogs treat us in a particular way, without judging us.

But, What are the benefits of having a dog at home? How does this pet affect our health? Here is a list of the 10 benefits that having a dog gives you, both psychically and in other important aspects of your health and wellbeing.

1. It helps you to exercise

All those who have dogs will have enjoyed those afternoons of walking with them . Other pets provide many benefits, but it is not very common to take a cat (who usually enjoy more freedom) or a rabbit. Dogs need to leave home to do their needs several times a day, and need long walks to enjoy a healthy life. Accompanying them on these walks also benefits you, because walking is an excellent aerobic exercise.

Did you know that walking helps you sleep better, increases life expectancy or reduces the risk of Alzheimer's? If you want to know more about the benefits of walking, you can consult this article.

2. A more active social life

But going for a walk with the dog is not only an excellent opportunity to lose weight and enjoy greater cardiovascular health thanks to physical exercise. But it is also a great opportunity to meet new people.

The parks where dogs usually go to run are full of people who enjoy the same hobby as you: have a pet. Could it be an excellent opportunity to flirt? Who knows. It depends on you.

Recommended article: "10 tips to flirt (and how you should never seduce)"

3. An excellent therapeutic tool

Within the Assisted Therapies with Animals (TAA), the animal that is most used is the dog , because it is a nice pet that brings many benefits both psychological, social and physical. The company with dogs benefits children, adolescents, elderly people, the mentally ill, etc. They are a therapeutic resource that helps to achieve benefits and improvements in people.

To learn more about dog therapy you can read this post: "The benefits of dog therapy"

4. Better cardiovascular health

Having a dog improves your cardiovascular health. Not only because it allows you to exercise, but because the simple act of petting a dog reduces heart rate and blood pressure.

An investigation carried out in China found that dog owners have lower cholesterol levels and are more likely to survive a heart attack.

5. You will be less stressed

There have been a lot of studies that have shown that dogs lower stress levels. Pet your dog, play with him or the simple fact of noticing your affection can reduce your level of stress daily . Science shows that having a dog reduces hormones related to stress: cortisol.

Maybe you're interested: "10 essential tips to reduce stress"

6. You will feel more secure

Dogs can be an effective safety system , because in addition to alerting you to the presence of strangers with their barking, dogs are also protective with their owners. Surely if you need help, there he will be to protect you. Without doubt, the dogs increase your sense of security.

7. It makes you happier

Dogs are a perfect company because they are there for us in good times and bad times. In fact, loneliness can increase the risk of death and dogs will not leave you alone.

Researchers have shown that Dog sitters tend to suffer less depression , because being in the care of these animals provides a valuable company and helps people to be more positive.As we said at the beginning of the article, 74% of the Spanish population says that living with a dog makes them happier. The data speaks for itself.

8. It makes you resistant to allergies

Even though dogs can be the worst nightmare for those who are allergic to these pets, Growing up in a house with dogs helps children develop less allergies throughout their lives .

This is what a study carried out by a group of researchers at the University of Cincinnati says. Interestingly, cats have the opposite effect: they increase the likelihood of developing allergies.

9. They entertain you

Dogs can be very funny and can make you have great moments. In fact, already at an early age, children enjoy the company of these pets.

As we get older, have a partner with whom to go for a walk on the beach, to run or just to play a little with the ball, It entertains us and allows us to spend great moments with him .

10. It makes you responsible

Having a dog is a big responsibility . Therefore, having a dog as a pet can make you learn great lessons of life. You have to feed them, get them out to do their needs, need to be educated, etc.

Having a dog requires discipline, motivation and also requires proper economic management. Unfortunately, there are people who buy one on a whim and then realize that a dog needs to be taken care of. That's why it's important to launch a final message: let's love dogs as they love us .