Throughout the ages canine companions have been celebrated in literature - from Odysseus' faithful Argos toWilson Rawls' Old Dan and Little Ann. It's widely acknowledged that dogs make wonderful companions, whether it's going for walks, cuddling on the couch, or playing fetch, but they also make you happier and healthier. Here's how.
Dogs help general health and well-being. According to the American Heart Association there has been a comprehensive review of studies published between 1950 and 2019 that reveals that anyone who lives with a dog has better responses to stress, lower blood pressure, and longer lifespan.
Daily work outs are a breeze. Dog owners are almost four times more likely than non-dog owners to meet daily physical activity guidelines, walking nearly 300 minutes outside per week with their dogs. Rover proves to be the ultimate work out buddy!
Locking eyes with Fido boosts oxytocin. Looking into your dog's eyes boosts oxytocin, i.e. "the love hormone," helping you form social attachments and generally feel happier.
Dogs make you feel less lonely. A 2019 BMC Public Health study out of Australia found that new dog owners experienced less loneliness within three months. According to a CNBC story by Sarah Whitten, this fact seems to point to why animal shelters saw a massive increase in dog adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dogs make you more social. Approximately 40% of pet owners had an easier time making new friends, according to a 2015 survey across four cities. Researchers found that pet owners were more likely to get to know neighbors.