3 Good Things About Owning a Dog
3 Good Things About Owning a Dog
There are many good things about owning a dog. These can include physical exercise, companionship, and mental health benefits. But there are also some risks of owning a dog. Here are some of them.
Physical activity
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that physical activity with a dog may be beneficial to both humans and dogs. The researchers found that dog owners are more physically active than their non-dog-owning peers.
Physical activity has been shown to promote healthy hormone activity, increase mental energy, and boost mood. It also helps improve quality of life and prevent premature aging.
In addition to boosting your health, it also strengthens your bond with your pet. Getting your dog to exercise with you can be an easy way to get started on the road to healthier living.
Regular exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to serious diseases and mobility problems. In addition, it improves your heart health.
Some studies have linked pet ownership with lower levels of cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, exercise strengthens your bond with your dog and can help you recover faster from surgery.
You can increase the benefits of your daily exercise by adding some games and toys to your dog's routine. Playing fetch is one great way to burn extra energy.
Companionship
Many pet owners consider their dogs as family members, but there's an interesting gap in the literature on what makes dogs a good companion. Until recently, no empirical studies have been conducted. A new study attempts to fill this void. The results may surprise you.
While previous research has highlighted pets as sources of social support, the current study attempts to understand the dog-human relationship quantitatively. To do this, researchers surveyed 749 dog owners. They asked questions about the number of dogs in the household, the number of quality time spent with their dog, and behavioral interactions. Those that had a dog for more than two hours a day had significantly higher scores in all of the dimensions of dog companionship.
One of the defining characteristics of the dog-human relationship is that dogs have evolved to understand their masters' feelings. Dogs are often referred to as confidantes, and they provide much needed social and emotional support.
Researchers have also found that pets have a positive effect on people's mental health. This includes reducing stress and anxiety.
Mental health benefits
Dogs have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, owning a pet can improve social well-being. Having a pet is also a positive factor in reducing the risk of developing dementia, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing field of study. AAT utilizes trained animals to improve psychological, physical, and social well-being. Typically, these sessions have goals that are specified for each session.
Pets have been shown to decrease feelings of loneliness and depression, and increase the presence of oxytocin, a hormone that is produced by humans in response to stress. This increase in oxytocin has been associated with the release of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine.
Studies have also found that dogs can help with PTSD, a condition in which individuals experience high levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream. The dog's unconditional love and affection can help lower cortisol, the body's stress hormone.
Moreover, studies have indicated that dogs are good for the heart, as they lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lastly, walking a dog can lead to a sense of wellbeing.
Dangers of owning a dog
Dogs are great pets, but they can also carry many harmful germs. Some of them can be zoonotic. That means they can pass the infection on to humans and other animals. These illnesses can be dangerous, and it is important for people to know the risk.
Fleas and tapeworms are common parasites that can be transmitted to dogs. They are easily spread, and some species can cause serious damage. If your dog has an infestation, you'll need to treat it.
Roundworms are a common intestinal parasite that affects most dogs. Some of these species only cause localized itching. However, some of the more dangerous species can be passed to humans.
Heartworms can be fatal if not treated. Mosquitoes are the primary carrier of heartworms, and they can pick up larvae from infected animals. This is why prevention is the best way to keep your dog free of the disease.
Dogs can contract a number of other dangerous parasites. These can include hookworms and lungworms. The latter are a growing problem in the United Kingdom.
