Wonderful Ways Dogs Improve Your Mental and Physical Health

Most of us already know that life is better with dogs. The unconditional love and faithful companionship they provide impacts our lives in so many ways. But did you know that owning a dog can have significant benefits for your health?  That’s right. Dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of having a dog.

Boost Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, pet ownership is linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than those who don’t have a dog. Also, dog owners experience less cardiovascular reactivity when exposed to stressful stimuli. That means that their heart rate and blood pressure may go up less and return to normal more quickly, reducing the harmful effects of stress on the body.

Increase Physical Activity

Dogs require regular exercise which encourages their owners to engage in physical activities. In fact, research shows that dog owners are more likely to engage in regular physical activity than non-owners. Simply walking a dog for 30 minutes a day can help burn calories, build muscle, improve heart health,  and promote deeper, more restful sleep. Depending on the breed, some owners may choose to increase their physical activity by extending their walks, or by including hiking or running into their routines.

(Psst, gearing up for outdoor aerobic exercise is made easy with the ZippyPaws Adventure collection.)

Improve Mental Health

Dogs offer unconditional love that brings great comfort to most people, especially for those with mental health conditions or those experiencing a difficult time. Canine companionship provides healing, calming, and stress-buffering effects that are recognized by many health professionals. Some psychiatrists, psychologists, and family physicians even prescribe their patients companion dogs to combat loneliness, depression, inactivity and stress.

Here are a few ways in which dogs can improve your mental health:

• Lower Stress Levels The simple act of petting a dog can decrease levels of stress hormones while increasing the release of the “feel good” hormones dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.
• Reduced Anxiety The mere presence of a dog can lower levels of the stress-causing chemical cortisol, leading to decreased stress and anxiety.
• Decreased Loneliness Having a dog to interact with and care for can help individuals combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Enhanced Mood Spending time with pets provides a sense of purpose and can raise levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and positive feelings. Interaction between owners and their pets results in increased levels of oxytocin in both humans and dogs.

Now that you are aware of the health benefits of having a doggo, go spend some time petting, playing, and pampering them. Your dog and your health will thank you.