Have you been toying with the idea of welcoming a four-legged companion with a wagging tail into your life? If you’re unsure, this list will persuade you in a second. It’s not for nothing that they’re dubbed man’s best friend – dogs truly make us happier people.
#12 Unconditional Love
One of the main arguments we hear from dog-people is that they give completely unconditional love – you need to do very little to win them over. It is this constant source of affection and companionship that can significantly boost our emotional well-being. Who doesn’t love to be greeted by a wagging tail and with the excitement as if they haven’t seen you for a year every time you come home?
#11 Stress Reduction
Petting and playing with dogs have been shown to lower stress levels, decrease blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Petting your dog also allows you to live in the moment and focus on one thing, sort of like meditation.
#10 Increased Physical Activity
When you own a dog, you are simply forced to exercise and get fresh air regularly. Although it might seem like a drag to get out of the house, both you and your doggo will be happier once it’s done. Walking or playing fetch promotes a healthier lifestyle and can lead to weight loss and improved cardiovascular health.
#9 Social Connections
Dogs are great social lubricants, helping their owners meet new people and forge connections. These can take place everywhere and anywhere – at the dog park, on a walk, or simply as a topic of conversation with a co-worker. And, if you remember the movie Marley and Me (of course you do) you’ll also know that especially puppies can be a sneaky way to attract a date.
#8 Improved Mental Health
The companionship of a dog can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. By just being there our dogs provide emotional support that is both comforting and therapeutic.
#7 Purpose and Routine
Caring for a dog introduces structure and routine into daily life. The habit of walking and feeding your dog offers a sense of purpose and responsibility that can enhance overall life satisfaction.
#6 Enhanced Security
Dogs can provide a sense of security at home, alerting their owners to potential intruders. This doesn’t only apply to the traditional “guard dog breeds” – all you need is a bark and an intruder will hopefully not even take the chance of entering your home.
#5 Child Development
Having a furry sibling is an invaluable experience. Children raised with dogs often show improved empathy, higher self-esteem, and better social skills. This is thanks to the lessons in responsibility and compassion that come with pet ownership.
#4 Joy and Laughter
Again, simply by just being themselves dogs will bring so much joy into your life. There’s a reason why the internet is flooded with hilarious dog videos after all. So other than incredible companionship, our four-legged friends are also experts at entertaining us (even though it’s rarely on purpose.)
#3 Companionship in Later Life
Sadly, loneliness is a common problem among senior citizens. To remedy this a dog is the perfect solution! Not only is it a constant friend, it’s also a reason to keep up an active lifestyle which will add many years to your life.
#2 Empathy and Compassion
Taking care of a dog teaches empathy and compassion. These vital virtues are nothing we can learn from a book; we need to learn and practice it hands-on. By having to take your dog into account on a daily basis, you’ll inevitably become a more compassionate person.
#1 Improved Allergy Resistance
Exposure to dogs at an early age has been linked to a lower risk of developing allergies (not only towards dogs) and asthma. This is thanks to the immune system boost that comes from being around pets.
Wrapping Up
If you were looking for a sign to extend your family by means of a four-legged and tail-wagging member this is your sign! Getting a dog will undoubtedly not only make you happier and healthier, you will also become a better person.
Thank you for reading this list of reasons why dogs make us happier!
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