Did you know that having a dog can make you healthier? Yes, it can! Man’s best friend has been proven to have many different benefits. The companionship, in general, is a benefit to having a dog a part of your family. Not only does it bring an overall sense of joy, but studies have also shown that there are several health benefits, and that’s our new topic! So, let’s dive into the 5 top ways owning a dog can be an asset to your health! 

1. Healthy Heart – Studies have shown that dogs help reduce high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and heart disease. One of the most logical explanations for this is that dogs, especially the more active breeds, require more physical activity. They also help reduce stress which tends to contribute to poor health in general. 

2. Weight Loss - Working on those Covid pounds, but not ready to take on the gym just yet? Your fur baby would be a happy workout buddy. From walks around the block or on a trail to going for a run. Your dog can make the process easier and more fun. Shed that extra weight and bond with your dog all at the same time. 

3. Stress Reduction – Research has shown that something simple as petting a dog can reduce levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol. Oxytocin is another hormone that dog interaction can increase. It’s also known as the feel-good hormone, the same one released when mothers bond with their babies. 

4. Alleviate loneliness and depression – In no way is having a dog a cure-all for depression. Seeking professional help is always a good idea if needed. However, getting a dog may be prescribed to help treat the symptoms. 

5. Treatment for PTSD – The research for using dogs as a form of therapy for PTSD is ongoing. Dog owners, in general, tend to feel more relaxed and at ease. Dogs offer companionship and love. They are also good at taking orders, a quality beneficial to an ex-service member who has spent years giving out orders. 

Your dog should not be a substitute for seeing a healthcare or mental healthcare provider. What works for some may not always work for others. Here at TLDOM, we love our dogs. They have made life so much sweeter. So, if nothing else, having your four-legged friend around can offer a unique experience of fun and adventure. Dogs can help brighten things up in their own special way!