Benefits of Owning a Dog

As you may already know, there are numerous benefits to having a dog in your life! Below we will discuss some of the amazing ways adding a dog to your pack can enhance your life.

Can you feel the love?

Dogs are known for the unconditional love they have for their people. Studies have shown that when we look into our dogs’ eyes, we release oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone.” Oxytocin is released when we feel a sense of attachment, bonding, and connection. Similarly, we get a get a rush of dopamine, a mood boosting hormone, when spending quality time with our pups. So, the next time you interact with your dog, know that it is just as beneficial to you as it is to them!

Dogs can help boost your social circle

Dogs need plenty of exercise, which leads us to slipping on our tennis shoes and heading outdoors to help them burn off their extra energy. Walking in your neighborhood or nearby park is a great way to meet neighbors and meet new people in your area! In fact, according to a Harvard study, pet owners are 60% more likely to know people in their neighborhoods than non-pet owners! This can be especially helpful when you are looking to make new friends, date, or network. Your dog can be the ultimate wingman, er, wing-dog!

They may help you live longer

Studies done between 1950 and 2019 have shown that dog owners have a lower risk of death. This is due in large part to dogs helping to lower our heart rates and improve our stress response by lowering cortisol, a stress hormone. Combine this with the increase in activity we get walking our dogs and the benefits of being out in nature more often – there is no wonder our dogs help us live longer!

They teach us valuable life lessons

Most dog owners know the importance of training their dogs. Training requires patience, consistency, and effort – all important tools we can use in life! Dogs can also teach us a great deal about responsibility. Young children can learn valuable lessons in responsibility by helping to feed, walk, or brush their dog. Dogs can also help us to appreciate nature more by helping to get us outdoors more often. Most importantly, dogs lead by example in being quick to forgive, eager for new experiences, and full of love for those around them.