Companionship is something everyone craves. A feeling of friendship and love is something everyone wants. You can gain this from adopting or buying a furry friend. Who doesn’t love a puppy? These furry creatures are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether it’s a black labradoodle, a basset hound, or a Shih Tzu, these animals are sure to bring companionship to any human. Dogs have many positive effects on humans and that is becoming more and more clear.
It has recently been shown that dogs not only have the power of companionship but so much more. Having one of these adorable and loving creatures is shown to have many other health benefits. With the holiday season coming up, a dog can be the perfect gift for anyone.
A new scientific review that encompasses 70 years of research has shown that having a dog can improve your longevity. In one circumstance, it showed petting a dog was found to have the same effect on blood pressure as medication, CNN reported. Pets can bring so much joy to people’s lives.
Adding to the positive effect on blood pressure, dogs can also protect you from heart disease. These furry friends keep you active. According to HuffPost, dog owners have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and experience fewer heart attacks than those who do not have pets.
Besides keeping your body active, dogs do things for your mind as well. Dogs are a huge source of stress relief. A HuffPost article states that “During stressful situations, dog owners’ heart rates and blood pressure tend to rise less and turn to normal levels faster than their non-dog owner counterparts.”
Along with reducing stress, dogs have also been shown to detect cancer. Yes, cancer. Some types of cancer can be sniffed out by dogs. They have been reported to sniff out skin moles and even bite them off.
Another positive factor is on your children. Studies show that kids who grew up with dogs tend to have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema. Healthy kids mean less sick days, and less sick days means more work time for you.
With all the benefits that have been shown, what’s stopping you from getting a dog of your own? Next time you’re being begged for a dog, don’t turn it down so quickly. Having one of these sweet animals can potentially save your life and make life less stressful.