Off the top of your head, it’s easy to come up with reasons to get a dog. They’re playful, cuddly, and loyal companions, just to name a few things.
But how about a statistically-backed rationale for having your own pooch? Well, we have you covered. Here are 20 reasons to add a dog to your life—according to the facts:
Physical Health Benefits of a Pup
It’s no secret that people love being around dogs, and it turns out our bodies do too. Take a look at these paw-sitively amazing physical health benefits of owning a dog:
- People going to bed next to their canines often experience a more restful sleep.
- Growing up around dogs can boost children’s health by preventing colds and ear infections in babies, as well as the early development of pet allergies and asthma.
- Among seniors, dogs reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and can lead to a 24% lower chance of dying from any other cause.
- Since dog owners have to get outside and walk their pooch every day, they’re four times more likely to reach recommended daily exercise goals.
- Dogs can decrease their owners’ cholesterol levels, lowering their chances of developing heart disease.
- Petting dogs can increase your levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which prevents infection in your gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts.
Social Benefits of Getting a Dog
In addition to being a human’s best friend, a dog can help people form connections with others. Check out some of these social benefits of adding a pup to your life:
- In comparison to dog-less people, 40% of dog owners find it easier to make friends.
- When a man has a dog with him, he has a greater chance of scoring a love interest’s digits than if he were alone.
- Among the single folks of America, 63% are drawn to dating app profiles that include a pooch.
- Kids who grow up around canines sometimes demonstrate higher levels of empathy than those without dogs.
- Exposure to dogs can aid social interaction among children with autism and other developmental conditions.
- Owning a dog can make your friends more likely to visit your home or apartment.
- For people who use wheelchairs, having a dog by their side can lead to more friendly greetings from others.
Emotional Benefits of Having a Pooch
You can probably predict that getting a dog will make you happier. In fact, pooches are scientifically proven mood boosters. Not convinced? Keep reading for some unexpected emotional health benefits of dogs in your life:
- People with pooches often have better self-esteem.
- Going for a run with a dog lifts your spirits even more than running alone.
- 85% of people believe they are less lonely when they spend time with pets.
- Among pre-teens and college students, having a dog can decrease emotional distress.
- Just from looking at a pooch, your body can boost dopamine levels that produce positive emotions.
- For elementary school-aged kids, growing up with a dog can decrease aggressiveness and increase sensitivity.
- Petting a pooch can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Now that you know some of the physical, social, and emotional reasons for getting a dog, hopefully your decision is a little more clear. Good luck out there, potential pooch owners!
For more information about how dogs benefit our lives click here.
About the Author:
Abby is a Content Marketing Specialist developing high-quality content for a variety of industries including lifestyle and finance. Her work can be seen featured on sites like Annuity.org and TurboTenant.
