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Doctor Dog: How a Pet Dog Can Improve Your Health

When you’re standing out in the rain, waiting for your pooch to poop, dog ownership may not seem like much fun. Of course, you know that your dog gives you his complete loyalty and love, along with a joyful welcome every time you come home. But research suggests that your dog may be giving you much more. There are distinct health benefits related to owning a pet ─ so much so that retirement homes and rehabilitation centers often include pets as companions for their residents.

They Help With Allergies

If you have children, one of the best things you can do for them is to introduce a pet early on in their lives. Your little one is 33 percent less likely to develop allergies when a dog is in the home. Choose a respected dog trainer to help your dog integrate seamlessly into the family. For individuals who already have allergies as adults, certain dogs have hair and dander that closely resembles that of humans, making them the perfect hypoallergenic pets. Try a Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise if you want to keep your sinuses clear while taking advantage of pet-related health benefits.

They Help Improve Your Social Life

When you have a dog, you are more likely to get out into your neighbourhood and your local parks for walks. Walking improves cardiovascular health and muscle tone. In addition, you often meet new people as you walk with your dog, whether it be curious children or fellow dog owners. These social connections stimulate the release of positive chemicals in the brain and help you feel happier and more relaxed. If your dog has trouble relating to other people, animals, and objects while on walks, find a dog trainer in your area of Singapore who can help your pet work through those issues. Other ways to get the exercise that you and your dog need are biking, hiking, running, jogging, and agility training. Each of these outlets stimulates muscle development, lowers blood pressure, and creates opportunities for making new friends.

They Get You Moving Again

As you engage in all of these types of exercise, even for just half an hour each day, your body becomes stronger. If you have a few extra pounds that you want to shed, your dog can help you run those off as well. In fact, studies by the National Institute of Health discovered that dog owners who walk their dog themselves are less likely to be obese compared to those who don’t own dogs or those who make someone else walk the dog.

They Help Reduce Stress

Stress is a huge factor in declining health for many people. Work stress, family stress, and various other pressures sap the body’s energy. When you come home to a loving pet at the end of the day, it’s an immediate stress-reducer. Better yet, research shows that employees who interact with dogs during the day have lower stress levels than those who do not. Lower stress means improved health, increased productivity, and a noticeable boost in overall happiness.

They Help With Depression

For individuals who suffer from depression, a pet is often a key factor in conquering those dark moods. Pets require care and their gentle insistence on being fed and walked forces the owner to get up and take positive action. Dogs also love unconditionally. They don’t care whether their owner has achieved his or her goals in life. Dogs sense sadness or loneliness and react with comfort and love. They don’t offer advice or contribute to guilt ─ they simply love. Sometimes, that’s all a person needs to realise their own worth and to rise out of their depression.

So the next time you have to take your canine companion out in uncomfortable weather, think about all that he gives you in return─ love, loyalty, and better health.