10 benefits of owning a dog (according to science)

Those of us who have or have had a dog know that his presence can make us tremendously happy.

This fact is demonstrated in the II Scientific Analysis of the Affinity Foundation on the Bond between People and Companion Animals, which for its research has had a sample of 6,000 subjects, and which states that 74% of the Spanish population assures that living with a dog makes or would make them happier.

Half of Spanish families, 43%, live with a pet in their home. The dog is the favorite pet. And of course, over time, the emotional caregiver-pet connection becomes visible. According to the data of this study, 31% of Spaniards consider their dog or cat more important than their friends. In addition, 71% say they communicate regularly with their pet.

Benefits and advantages of having a dog

Dogs are great friends and are the favorite companion animal for many because they love each other. Dogs treat us in a particular way, without judging us.

But, What are the benefits of having a dog at home? How does this pet affect our health? Here is a list of the 10 benefits that having a dog brings you, both psychically and in other important aspects of your health and well-being.

1. Helps you exercise

All of you who have dogs will have enjoyed those afternoons out for a walk with them. Other pets have many benefits, but it is not very common to take a cat (who usually enjoy greater freedom) or a rabbit for a walk. Dogs need to go outside to relieve themselves several times a day, and they need long walks in order to enjoy a healthy life. Accompanying them on these walks also benefits you, as walking is an excellent aerobic exercise.

Did you know that walking helps you sleep better, increases life expectancy or reduces the risk of Alzheimer's? If you want to know more about the benefits of walking, you can check this article.

2. A more active social life

But going for a walk with the dog is not only an excellent opportunity to lose weight and enjoy greater cardiovascular health thanks to physical exercise. But also, it's a great opportunity to meet new people.

The parks where dogs often go running are full of people who enjoy the same hobby as you: having a pet. Could this be an excellent dating opportunity? Who knows. It depends on you.

• Recommended article: "10 dating tips (and how you should never seduce)"

3. An excellent therapeutic tool

Within the Animal Assisted Therapies (TAA), the animal that is used the most is the dogIt is a pleasant pet that provides many psychological, social and physical benefits. Children, adolescents, the elderly, the mentally ill, etc. benefit from the company with dogs. They are a therapeutic resource that helps to achieve benefits and improvements in people.

• To learn more about dog therapy you can read this post: "The benefits of dog therapy"

4. Better cardiovascular health

Having a dog improves your cardiovascular health. Not just because it allows you to exercise, but because simply petting a dog lowers the heart rate and blood pressure.

An investigation carried out in China found that dog owners have the lowest cholesterol levels and they are more likely to survive a heart attack.

5. You will be less stressed

There have been a large number of studies that have shown that dogs lower stress levels. Pet your dog, play with him or the simple fact of noticing her affection can reduce your stress level on a daily basis. Science shows that owning a dog reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

• You may be interested: "10 essential tips to reduce stress"

6. You will feel more secure

Dogs can be an effective security system, because in addition to alerting you to the presence of strangers with their barking, dogs are also protective of their owners. Surely if you need help, he will be there to protect you. Dogs undoubtedly increase your sense of security.

7. Makes you happier

Dogs are perfect company because they are there for us in good times and bad. In fact, loneliness can increase the risk of death and the dogs are not going to leave you alone.

Researchers have shown that dog sitters tend to suffer from less depressionBeing in the care of these animals provides valuable companionship and helps people to be more positive. As we said at the beginning of the article, 74% of the Spanish population assures that living with a dog makes them happier. The data speaks for itself.

8. Makes you resistant to allergies

Even though dogs can be the worst nightmare for those who are allergic to these pets, growing up in a house with dogs helps children develop fewer allergies throughout their lives.

This is what a study carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Cincinnati. Interestingly, cats have the opposite effect: they increase the likelihood of developing allergies.

9. They entertain you

Dogs can be a lot of fun and they can make you have a great time. In fact, children already enjoy the company of these pets at an early age.

As we get older, have a partner with whom to go for a walk on the beach, for a run or just to play with the ball a bit entertains us and allows us to spend great moments with him.

10. Makes you responsible

Having a dog is a great responsibility. Therefore, having a dog as a companion animal can make you learn great lessons in life. You have to feed them, take them out to relieve themselves, they need to be educated, etc.

Having a dog requires discipline, motivation and also requires proper financial management. Unfortunately, there are people who buy one on a whim and then realize that a dog needs to be cared for. That is why it is important to send one last message: let's love dogs just like they love us.