5 Reasons dog owners are healthier

You know, we’ve all been called it at one point in time for one reason or another- Crazy. It may come in different contexts, like when you’re allowing your 90 pound dog to lick your face or you’ve decided to remodel the laundry room or the space under the stairs just for your little fluffy companion, or is that just me?

But really though, how bad can being dog crazy be? I’m prepared to share with you 5 reasons why Fido is good for your health. You may be so convinced by the end of this article that you may feel the need to adopt another little fluffy bundle of joy.

5 reasons why dogs are good for your health:

1. Dog owners are happier and more relaxed people.

Think about it, how hard is it to prance your dog down the sidewalk and not be stopped by a dog-loving citizen? Fido is great for making connections with other human beings. Not only do dogs help fight loneliness and depression by making people stop to pet them, studies show that petting a dog can cause oxytocin, serotonin and prolactin to be released int he brain which offers a calm, soothing effect.

2. Dog owners have lower stress levels and lower blood pressure.

When dog owners spend a relaxing day cuddling with their pooch on the couch, the humans cortisol (stress hormone) levels decrease. As mentioned before not only do cortisol levels decrease, but serotonin (a chemical associated with well-being) levels increase. Because dogs have such a calming effect on us humans, it also helps to keep our blood pressure in check.

Maybe if I showed this information to my boss he’d let me bring my dog to work?

3. Dogs can be trained to help with mental and physical disorders.

Almost everyone has seen a service dog in action, but not only do dogs help their handicapped owners retrieve things for them and open doors, there are service dogs for other disabilities as well. Dogs can be taught to detect oncoming seizures, drops in blood pressure, obsessive compulsive tendencies and even help their owners with post traumatic stress disorder.

4. Dog owners are less likely to develop allergies and asthma.

Children that grow up in homes with dogs and cats are far less likely to develop allergies and asthma than those who do not, unless their parents are allergic to pets. Studies have shown that pet owning children have higher levels of immune system chemicals and have a higher immune system to help fight off allergens and other illnesses

5. Dog owners are more active.

This goes without saying. Dog owners are more active. Between the daily trips to the dog park and walking your dog around the block for potty breaks pet owners tend to get more exercise than non-pet owners and will meet the daily exercise requirements for you and your dog.

So, what do you think of this information? How do you think your dog keeps you healthy?