Have you ever noticed how your fatigue from a long workday goes away once your dog greets you? There’s a good reason why! Seeing our furry friends creates serotonin, otherwise known as the “happy chemical.” Going for long walks, playing games of fetch, and just snuggling on the couch also create warm feelings around your dog.
Are you thinking of getting a new dog to offer a much-needed boost in your life? Here are some reasons to consider welcoming a four-legged friend into your life!
1. Dogs Force Us to Be Active
Strolling your dog keeps you active and healthy daily. It helps you keep your cholesterol low and maintain heart health. In a study conducted by Barkbox, 80% of dog owners believe they have become morning people because of their pets. If you have a dog, there is no need to set an alarm! Your dog just might wake you up with their barking or pawing.
2. Pet Ownership Can Lower Depression and Anxiety
Per Frontiers in Psychology, 71% of dog owners believe that their dogs have made them overall happier and more cheerful; also, 93% of the dog owners believe that their dogs made them a better version of themselves.
Moreover, those beautiful moments spent with your dog can help your brain produce more of the feel-good hormone oxytocin and less of the stress hormone cortisol.
Believe it or not, your dog can sense your emotions, no matter how hard you try to hide your feelings. Subtle changes in your smell and body language tip them off! That’s why so many dogs are also emotional support animals.
Even playing and jumping around with your dog will let that cheerful laugh out. Your fuzzy companion will quietly listen to everything you tell them, and in return, they are never going to judge you.
3. Dogs Can Help Us Lose Weight
Want to live a more active lifestyle? Get a dog. It’s like having a personal fitness trainer! Going for walks, swimming together, and taking long road trips can help you shed excess weight. Even if you don’t feel like going out or exercising, your pet dog will run around you, wag its tail, and pull your shirt to get you out for a walk. Eventually, you will view dog walks as promised rituals.
4. Dogs Make Great Company
Have you ever felt lonely? Even though you have friends, there comes a time when your friends and family become too busy to check on you. Don’t worry! Your dog has the way out. When you have a dog, you also have a routine of going out because your dog requires it. You can interact with other people while walking or spending time outdoors. You can make new friends and socialize at the dog park. Engaging in breed-specific sporting events is also a great way to meet people!
5. Dogs Offer Unconditional and Selfless Love
I remember a story my mother told me about how a dog saved a young kid from being bitten by a hound. For my 12-year-old self, that concept was bizarre. But my 20-year-old self, now proud owner of a dog, realized how ignorant I was living my life without this unconditional love. Believe me when I say, your dog will do anything for you, even if it puts them in harm’s way. They will not judge you or question your motives. Ever.
6. Dogs Offer Instant Mood Boosts!
Do you know something that can brighten your mood in seconds? Being a human’s best friend, dogs take care of you, and their eyes brighten up when they see you. Everything about them makes you jump with joy and sheer happiness. Their cute mannerisms can make your sad feelings go away in no time. Just pick up your dog and let the magic happen.
Sometimes, in life, it becomes tricky to cheer up, especially after having a bad day. When your job makes you tired, and nothing seems good enough for your boss, having a cute little puppy goofing around will melt your heart. So please take a moment to thank your pup today and give them a real big hug.
