Having A Dog Is Good For You: Here Are The Proven Health Benefits

Dec 28, 2018

The point of owning a dog isn’t just to have a bodyguard. Although a lot of people do feel safer knowing that their dog will bark if a stranger comes around. There are a lot of reasons to have a dog, and many of them you might not have even considered. Maybe you already have a dog, or maybe you’re thinking of getting one soon.

Well, by the time you finish this, you’ll know for sure that a dog belongs in your life. Owning a dog has proven health benefits.

Okay, there’s no denying that dogs are, let’s say, germy. But that’s just because they love the great outdoors! They love to run, frolic and roll around in all kinds of good stuff. And that’s actually good for you! How? Because your dog’s germs actually make your body produce antibodies that can keep you from getting sick often. Is that why your dog loves to rub up against you when he comes inside? Maybe. Or it could be because he’s just so darn happy to have a loving home.

Lots of people are allergic to doggy dander. It’s a pity because if they had just had a dog in the house while growing up, they might not have a dog allergy at all. There’s even scientific evidence that babies who aren’t even born yet have fewer allergies when there’s a dog in the house. Pretty amazing, right? And just one more reason to love your dog!

Happiness is subjective, but if you took a poll of dog owners, we bet they’d all admit they’re happier with their dog than they were before they had a dog. You see, dogs offer unconditional love, companionship, and, dare we say it—a chance to meet a special guy or gal. Think of it, how easy is it to walk up to a stranger walking a dog and say hi. That dog owner has got a great social life, all thanks to his furry companion.

And psychologists agree that people who have a strong sense of belonging are happier than people who stay at home alone all day. The other reason that dogs make you happier is that they’re just so darn loving. You may have had a rotten day, or you’re in a bad mood, but does your dog care? No way. He’ll still run up to you, follow you around, and make silly faces until you smile. You know it’s true.

Do you feel you’re healthier with a dog? Do you see the benefits of dog ownership? What silly things does your dog do to make you smile? Let us know in the comments below!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!