10 benefits of having a dog at home

Enjoying the company of a dog can do wonders for your well-being. Recent research has shown that having a dog is good for you and your family, physically and emotionally. Dogs make us happier, healthier and help us deal with a crisis - and they can even help you get a date. Read more about the 10 scientific benefits of owning a dog.

1. Dogs make us feel less alone

Dogs can keep you company even when other people can't. They have unconditional love to offer you, emotional support and constant hugs that help overcome social isolation.

In Australia, where there are as many pets as humans, a study found that dog ownership can reduce loneliness. Dog owners claimed to socialize more than non-neighborhood owners. More than half of the 339 respondents said they knew their neighbors and the local community thanks to their dog and more than 4/5 said it was customary to talk to other owners when walking their animal.

In another study, a survey of pet owners conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 85% of respondents said that interacting with pets reduced loneliness. Most agree that interactions between humans and pets can help with social isolation.

2. Dogs are good for your health

Having a dog can help you live longer. Based on a compilation of studies published between 1950 and 2019, it was concluded that dog owners have a lower risk of death.

Even living with a dog can make a difference. People with previous heart problems had an even greater level of reduced risk of death. Research has concluded that the bond between humans and dogs reduces stress, which is a major cause of cardiovascular problems.

Petting a family dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, slows breathing and relaxes muscle tension. Scientists at Washington State University have found that just 10 minutes of petting can have a significant impact. Study participants had a significant reduction in cortisol, an important stress hormone.

3. Dogs help to deal with crises

Dogs can help psychologically recover from a crisis. Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine found that military veterans with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) had better physical and psychological outcomes when owning a service dog. Veterans with a service dog showed fewer PTSD symptoms and greater ability to fight it. The simple company of a dog can provide comfort and reduce anxiety. Several other studies have shown that dogs contribute decisively to relieving stress and anxiety caused by traumatic experiences.

4. Dogs counteract a sedentary lifestyle

Whether we like it or not, a dog is always there to force us to take those long walks along sidewalks and paths that would otherwise not occur. A 2019 British study found that dog owners are 4 times more likely than non-owners to meet daily physical activity recommendations .A dog owner spends almost 300 minutes a week walking with his canine companion, which is 200 minutes longer than usual for everyone else.

5. Dogs help socialize

If you're looking for someone to date, it may be time to get a dog. The presence of a dog makes people more pleasant and attractive.

In a series of studies, it has been concluded that a dog owner is more likely to get someone's number if they are accompanied by a "cute dog". In another study, researchers asked participants to rate and choose from photos the people who looked the happiest and most relaxed. Most chose those that appeared in the company of a dog.

A study by Pet Wingman found that men and women are more attracted, on social media, to those who include their dog in their profile picture. This study also revealed that, in relation to this topic, women are even more benefited than men. Another study revealed that 65% of owners admit to taking more photos with their dogs than with other friends and family members.

6. Dogs make us more social

Walking with a canine companion can make us more approachable and be a starting point for starting a conversation with a stranger. Just remember how many times you stopped to chat with other people at a dog park, whether they were your neighbors or new friends.

The researchers found that about 40% of dog owners find it easier to build friendships. Dogs are the perfect way to bond with strangers and make new friends.

A study by Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found that people who have a strong attachment to a pet feel more connected in their human relationships and in their communities.

7. Dogs are so adorable they make us love them

There's a reason dogs are so irresistible: a dog's facial features have a "childish schema". These “social liberators” trigger an innate caregiver response in humans. So the next time you can't stop watching a video of a dog, know that those big eyes and floppy ears are scientifically attractive.

8. Dogs make us happier

A simple look at a dog can lift your spirits: A 2009 study in Japan found that looking into your dog's eyes increases its level of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone." In addition to the general health benefits of owning a dog, they are natural mood enhancers. According to a 2017 study, people with AIDS are less likely to suffer from depression if they have a pet.

9. Dogs help the elderly in cognitive and social interaction

Studies that have explored the effects of dogs on the elderly have found very positive results. One study found that pet therapy improves the cognitive function of mentally ill residents in long-term care. Another study showed significant decreases in the agitated behaviors of seniors with dementia and improvements in social interactions.

The four-legged best friend offers unconditional love and support, which is especially important in difficult times. While people might think that we are taking care of our canine companions, in fact the benefit is mutual: dogs take care of us, and science confirms this.