Dogs are the most popular pets. Over 63 million homes owned at least one dog in 2019. If you grew up with a family dog, you’ll know that they’re great for keeping you company, playing with the kids, and love having their belly rubbed. 

While there is a lot of responsibilities in owning a dog, there are also a huge number of benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. 

They reduce stress levels

The friendship of a dog can do wonders to reduce your overall anxiety and stress levels. Studies have shown that spending just ten minutes petting a dog can stabilize your breathing and heart rate as well as relaxing your muscles. There’s also a reduction in stress hormones for both you and your dog. 

So if you do have a dog, spend time hugging and petting them. There are also ways to do this while you’re grooming them, with specialist palm brushes that feel more like you’re stroking a dog and pad balm for dogs which keep their feet nice and soft. Who doesn’t love a good foot rub? 

They will keep you fit

Dog owners are more active. After all, you’ve got to keep that pooch exercised. This extra movement can help you stay active, lose weight, and can make you live longer. There have been reports that show that dog owners reduce their chances of dying from certain conditions by up to 24%. 

If you’re a keen runner, there are many breeds of dogs that love a good long run and will be able to keep up with you. 

They keep you sociable

If you find yourself speaking to other dog walkers when you’re out and about, that’s because dogs can help improve your social life. It’s easier to talk to people when our dogs are the topic of conversation. You might even make new friends that you socialize with outside of dog walking too. 

They can stop you from feeling lonely

Loneliness is a real concern, especially as you get older. Families and friends don’t always stay in the same towns and cities they grew up in, which means that more and more people are finding themselves going for long periods without contact.

Having a dog can provide companionship and structure to your life. Having someone to bond with and look after can reduce feelings of loneliness.  

They can help you cope with illness and injury

Dogs are such amazing animals. They can be trained to help us in so many ways. Guide dogs for people with sight impairment have been around for a long time, but dogs can also be specially trained to aid people with conditions like Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, autism, and many physical issues too. 

Final thoughts 

Owning a dog is a commitment. You have to dedicate both time and money if you’re going t be a responsible dog owner. But there are huge benefits too. Your mental and physical health can be improved and you’ll feel less isolated if you live on your own.