Many pet owners consider their dogs their best friends, for they don’t leave their side, even in sickness and health. For some, their pets are their source of happiness and joy. Some studies have proven that having a pet can help boost a human’s well-being. Dogs and other pets can assist in improving one’s health. This will further discuss the health benefits of having a friendly pet.
History
Today, about 78 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States, according to one organization called the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In a recent discovery, dogs were first tamed 20,000-40,000 years ago in Europe. Since this period, humans and dogs have this special bond of friendship. They have established mutual support and trust with each other.
What dogs do?
Dogs are known to keep us safe and guard our homes. They protect us from danger and harm. Dogs can be trained to assist humans in hunting, security, and more. However, dogs’ most essential characteristics are loyalty, the ability to bring joy to their owners, and playfulness.
How having a dog contribute to health wellness?
Recent studies have reported that having dogs as pets can improve one’s physical health. Pet owners are more resilient to stress. Having a dog as a pet also reduces the risk of premature death.
Dog owners must exercise daily because they must walk their pets and play with them. Because of this regular exercise, pet owners have a lower risk of heart issues.
On average, dog owners must take their dogs for a walk at least twice daily. Many adults (60 years old and above) pet owners enjoy better health and live longer lives because of this “required” exercise they take by walking their dogs.
Dogs are beneficial not only when we grow old but also to children. Dogs can also help strengthen and improve our health even before birth. A pregnant woman who spends most of her time around dogs during pregnancy enhances her child’s health while still in her womb.
Children exposed to dogs while still in their mother’s womb have a lower risk of developing eczema in their early childhood.
Playing with dogs when growing up is also advantageous. Children with dogs surrounding them have reduced asthma symptoms because of their prolonged exposure to certain bacteria that their dogs carry. This prolonged exposure makes children resilient to the risks of having asthma and other related health issues.
Having a dog has many advantages and can even give you health benefits. Pet owners are observed to be happier and healthier physically and emotionally. Dogs are loyal and trustworthy pets. They are indeed a man’s best friend. This denotes that humans and dogs have a mutual relationship. They benefit from each other and, most importantly, help one another.