If you are reading this post, I know you love dogs, and there is a good chance you own one. You already know the wonderful benefits of having such a companion. But there are some unexpected side benefits I just read about in an article by Caroline Park on DogVacay.
Caroline named 10 of these side benefits. Some of them are:
- Playing with our dog for just 15 to 30 minutes raises the level of chemicals in our brain that are associated with pleasure and tranquility. So we feel more relaxed and calm.
- Dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer heart attacks.
- Ever used your dog as a “wingman?” 🙂 40% of the people interviewed said it’s easier for them to make friends because of having a dog.
- Dogs help people with rheumatoid arthritis by encouraging them to move more often and get their minds off their condition.
- Kids with dogs have fewer sick days.
Here’s an excerpt from Caroline’s article:
Dogs Boost Your Mood
… Research has shown that it only takes a mere 15–30 minutes with your pet to feel more relaxed and calm. Playing with your dog also raises your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that are associated with pleasure and tranquility. Psychologists from Miami and St. Louis Universities found that the benefits of having a canine companion can be equivalent to having a human companion.
Dogs Are Therapeutic for Kids With ADHD
Pet Wiki and WebMD agree that dogs make great pets for kids diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Your child can release excess energy by playing with the dog and caring for the pet will also help teach your child responsibility. Dogs can also help calm your child. Many therapists have used dogs in treatment as they seem to have a calming effect on both adults and children and help people feel more at ease during treatment.
Dogs Can Help Kids Grow Stronger
Getting your little one a furry companion can be beneficial! We all value our health and dogs can actually help contribute to keeping your child healthy just by being part of the family! According to Science Daily, kids who grow up with dogs in the home have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema. Kids with dogs in the home also have fewer sick days and grow up with higher levels of certain immune system supporters that keep them in tip-top shape as they get older.
You can read the entire article by Caroline Park here.
Article source: DogVacay
Image source: Rosewoman on Flickr.com
