60.2 million U.S. households have a dog in their family. With a nickname of “man’s best friend,” it’s not surprising that a large number of people enjoy this creature’s companionship.
In Great Britain there are currently over 12.5 million dogs from data gathered by www.restedpaws.co.uk. It’s obvious that dogs are intelligent and cute. But the truth is, there are so many other advantages to owning one!
In this article, we’ll discuss seven key benefits of owning a dog.
- You’ll Exercise More
Many of us are couch potatoes. After all, it’s much easier to lie down on the sofa to watch TV than it is to go outside and hit the pavement running.
As a result, you may not be in the best shape. Being overweight can lead to a number of health problems, such as diabetes and joint issues.
By adding a dog to your household, you’ll be more motivated to get outside and exercise. People tend to care more about the wellbeing of an animal they’re taking care of, so they’ll be more eager to put their running shoes on.
Having an exercise buddy can also make the time pass quicker as well. When you’re having fun with Fido, the physical activity won’t seem like such a chore anymore.
- You’ll Be More Social
If you’ve always struggled with your social life, having a dog can help with that. Practically everyone loves animals, which means while you’re out with your pet, it’s more likely that people will approach you for a chat while giving your dog some loving.
Plus, you can bond with other dog owners over how much you obsess over your pets. Whether it’s an in-person social group or an online one, you’ll find a whole new group of friends who share a common interest.
As a result, you can get the social interaction you crave without it being too awkward. Should there ever be a lull in the conversation, just give your dog some attention!
- You Won’t Be Lonely
Running a household that’s filled with children and your spouse can be overwhelming at times. You learn to treasure your “me time.”
But once your kids grow older and your partner takes on more responsibilities, you might find yourself feeling lonely. Instead of sitting by yourself at home, feeling depressed, get a dog.
When you have a furry friend that gives you unconditional love, you’ll find it hard to be sad and lonely. You’ll have your hands full taking care of your dog and giving it the love, attention, and care it needs.
As a result, this can improve the relationships you have with your family members, as you won’t be so reliant on them for your happiness anymore.
- Reduces Allergies in Children
Growing up, did you feel like you were sneezing and wheezing all the time? Did you have so many allergies you felt like there was no relief?
You can avoid this scenario for your kids if you get a dog while they’re young. Being around dogs can boost their immune system and help them grow up stronger.
If your children are already grown up, then it’s not likely that being around dogs will have the same effect. But you never know, it may be worth a try. It certainly doesn’t hurt to get an animal companion for your household!
- Your Children Can Learn to Be Responsible
Having a pet in the family can be very exciting since animals provide hours of entertainment. Since children can be highly interested in pets, take this opportunity to turn it into a learning experience.
Dogs can be incredibly patient and caring, so your kids can learn from living with them. They can learn to share, be gentle, and be patient if a dog is shy. If they’re old enough, they can also learn the responsibilities of feeding, walking, and grooming a pet.
If you introduce a dog to your kids when they’re young, they can learn to be caring, responsible teenagers and adults. The positive responses from your dog can be enough motivation for your children to take on responsibilities all on their own.
- They Can Keep You Safe
If you’re home alone often, you may be concerned about your safety at times. Not only can having a pet dog give you peace of mind, but they can also keep you safe.
All dogs (even the smaller breeds) can act as an early detection alarm since they have better senses than we do. Their barking may be enough to scare away intruders. And should the burglar make it inside, your dog can help you identify where they are and either attack or detain them.
Pets can help with natural disasters and accidents as well. They can sense earthquakes that are about to happen, or they can smell smoke and wake you up in the middle of the night.
- It’ll Do Wonders for Your Mental Health
There’s no denying that pet dogs can make you happier. But in addition to improving your happiness, dogs can also alleviate some mental health issues you have.
For instance, you may have PTSD from a traumatic experience. You may not feel secure enough to go out on your own, but life can’t just stop.
In this case, you can get a PTSD dog, so if you run into any triggering events, you’ll have immediate help. Knowing how to get a PTSD dog can improve your quality of life immensely by allowing you to carry on with your normal routine.
Reap the Benefits of Owning a Dog
As you can see, there are tons of benefits of owning a dog. Your bond with one can positively impact your life, plus it can teach your children some basic responsibilities as well.
If you have the time and space to dedicate to a new member of your family, I highly suggest getting a canine friend. The years spent with Fido and the memories made will be treasured forever.
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