Home : Pets : 10 Science-based Benefits Of Having A Dog

10 science-based benefits of having a dog

10 science-based benefits of having a dog

Dogs are considered a man’s best friend. They hold a special place in people’s hearts because of the undeniable joy of companionship they offer, which is hard to find elsewhere. Besides this, a growing body of scientific research has revealed a multitude of benefits associated with dog ownership that make them much more than just pets. These science-backed advantages range from promoting physical and mental well-being to fostering social connections.

1. Enhanced physical health
Owning a dog naturally encourages an active lifestyle. Daily walks, playtime in the park, and training exercises are incorporated into a routine, promoting regular physical activity. Studies have shown that dog guardians tend to walk more frequently, experience lower blood pressure, and even exhibit a reduced risk of heart disease.

2. Stress reduction and emotional well-being
Interaction with dogs triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of love and bonding. Simply petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, resulting in feelings of relaxation and calmness. Dog ownership has also been linked to alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression and providing emotional support and comfort.

3. Improved immune system function
Studies suggest that exposure to dog allergens early in life might strengthen a developing immune system. Owning a dog may also help reduce dust mites and hay fever allergies in children raised in dog-owning households.

4. Increased social interaction
Dogs act as social wingmen, facilitating connections with others. Whether it’s conversations with fellow dog walkers at the park or a sense of community fostered within dog owner groups, dogs can help combat social isolation and loneliness.

5. Enhanced cognitive function
Owning a dog can stimulate the mind and keep cognitive skills sharp. Training exercises provide mental stimulation while caring for a dog’s needs encourages responsibility and a regular schedule. Studies even suggest that dog ownership could potentially delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.

6. Improved emotional development in children
Growing up with a dog can positively impact a child’s emotional development. Studies indicate that children who live with dogs tend to exhibit greater empathy, compassion, and self-esteem. Caring for a dog teaches responsibility and nurturing instincts and fosters a sense of security.

7. Encouragement for physical therapy
A canine companion can provide valuable motivation and support for individuals undergoing physical therapy. Dogs can assist with balance exercises, offer companionship during walks, and motivate individuals to stay active during rehabilitation.

8. Security and safety
Dogs possess an instinct to protect their territory and owners. Their presence can deter potential intruders, offering a sense of security and peace of mind. Additionally, some dogs can be trained for specific assistance tasks, such as alerting individuals with hearing impairments or guiding those with visual impairments.

9. Potential for seizure alert and detection
Certain dog breeds have been trained to detect and alert owners of impending seizures. These specially trained dogs can provide invaluable support to individuals with epilepsy, offering a sense of security and allowing for timely medical intervention.

10. Unconditional love and acceptance
The most profound benefit of dog ownership is their unconditional love and acceptance. Dogs provide a constant source of companionship, affection, and non-judgmental support. This unwavering loyalty and emotional connection contribute significantly to one’s overall well-being.

Tips for buying or adopting an emotional support dog
While emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort, unlike service animals, they lack specialized training. Explore these tips for a responsible approach to acquiring an ESA:

1. Consult a qualified mental health professional
A licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist can assess an individual’s needs and determine if an ESA would be beneficial. If appropriate, they can provide a formal letter of recommendation, a key document for qualifying the dog as an ESA in housing situations. Be wary of organizations selling pre-trained ESAs.

2. Research reputable breeders or shelters
When deciding to adopt a dog, it is important to choose a reputable source such as a shelter or rescue organization. These facilities often house a variety of breeds and ages, and many staff members can help match individuals with dogs that complement their lifestyle and personality. If opting for a breeder, ensure they prioritize ethical breeding practices and the health and temperament of their dogs.

3. Training and socialization
Whether adopting or buying an emotional support dog, ongoing training and socialization are essential. One way to establish basic commands and proper behavior is by enrolling the dog in obedience classes. Socialization with other dogs and people in various environments is crucial for a well-adjusted ESA. A well-trained and socialized dog is more likely to thrive in public settings and provide the required emotional support.

4. Housing considerations
While the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects the right to reside with an ESA in most housing situations, landlords may require documentation from a qualified mental health professional. It is important to be aware of relevant laws and have the necessary paperwork readily available.

Important considerations before bringing a dog home
While these science-based benefits of having a dog are tempting, it’s crucial to make an informed decision. One must consider one’s lifestyle, living situation, and financial ability to ensure one can provide a loving and responsible home for a furry friend.

Most Popular

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin disease that makes the skin reddish, inflamed, and itchy because of specific triggers. It can affect any body part and appear anywhere on the skin. The most common symptoms are dryness, bumps, rashes, redness, and peeling of the skin. Despite being one of the most typical forms of atopic dermatitis, there is no such common definite cause; however, particular triggers cause eczema flareups, including specific kinds of soaps. Soaps and eczema flareups When eczema triggers, most of the time, it makes its appearance in certain typical parts of the body. These include behind the knee areas, hands, and feet. Some of the most common triggers of eczema flareups include household cleaners containing specific chemicals, and, most notably, soaps. However, the experience of eczema won’t be the same for everyone. One of the most typical symptoms is dry skin, where the soap’s role becomes significant. It is a pretty well-known fact that using soaps makes one’s skin dry. This happens because of specific harsh chemicals that swipe off moisture from one’s skin. These chemicals can also trigger severe irritation and reactions, specifically if the skin is too sensitive or if one is suffering from eczema.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition. Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient.
9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

For most people, achieving a fashionable look that stands out can be incredibly challenging, especially in a hurry. Celebrities and fashion influencers often turn up to events looking flawless; have you ever wondered how they manage to do so every time? Why by using fashion hacks, of course! To come to your rescue, here are some styling hacks that you can incorporate into your daily outfit-planning routine to look effortlessly stylish. Pick the right accessories It may seem generic, but it is still important to pick the right accessories to ensure your outfits have the best look. Three accessories can effortlessly upgrade any look. The best ones you can try are sunglasses, a belt, and a bag. Match these items with other outfit elements for a seamless flow. You can also go with options that have striking design elements that can elevate simple outfits and attract attention. Match the skirts with boots It is one of the best styling hacks popularized by many fashionistas – matching the boots with dresses or maxi skirts. Typically, dresses or skirts in delicate materials like lace look spectacular with solid, edgy boots. Mixing two opposite styles is one of the most genius ways to look fashionable.
7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats.
7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

A dog is a man’s best friend. Now you might have heard this a lot of times, and if you have ever had a pet dog, then you know the joy they bring into the lives of others. However, as often happens with family, you must have been tempted to share your food with your pet dog. Unfortunately, not all human foods are pet-safe. Read on to learn about which foods your dog can eat. 7 human foods that are safe for consumption by dogs It is a known fact that dogs and puppies have different digestive systems compared to humans, making some of the foods you eat unhealthy or even toxic for them. Here are some of the human foods that are safe for dogs: Carrots Vegetables and fruits are known to be incredible sources of nutrition. Carrots are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a snack that your puppy can eat at any time of the day. You can either cook it or even feed it as a raw snack, but remember to cut the vegetable into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Watermelon Some fruits can probably make your dog incredibly sick, but watermelon is not one of them.

Popular Articles

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health
health
01

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver.
Read More
Avoid these 5 smartphone habits
smartphones
02

Avoid these 5 smartphone habits

For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Read More
7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis
health
03

7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis

When you have bronchitis, it’s easy to overeat greasy, salty, or sugary foods to relieve the coughing, breathing, and throat pain. Alternatively, you may decide not to consume anything at all. However, you should take care and watch what you eat as refined carbs and saturated fats might impede recovery. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat may influence the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Here’s a list of a few items you should avoid. Foods with preservatives and additives Sulfites, a form of preservative, may aggravate bronchitis. Liquor, dried fruits, pickled foods, maraschino cherries, and lime juice all contain sulfites. Processed and quick meals frequently contain chemical additives, flavors, and colorings. Some bronchitis patients may be susceptible to or intolerant to these artificial components. Gas-forming foods Eating large meals or gas-producing foods strains the diaphragm, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. This can cause chest pains and asthma flare-ups. Beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, onions, and fried dishes are examples of these foods. Sugar and HFCS Do you enjoy drinking sugar-laden colas? Be cautious. They can be dangerous to your health. Avoiding syrups, candies, and other sugary foods will help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, irritation, and discomfort in your lungs.
Read More