Why adopting a dog could work wonders for your health!

Undeniably, I am completely biasedly in favour of adopting a pooch for a huge number of reasons! However, did you know that there is actually a whopping load of science behind the health benefits that can come with adopting a dog? Nope – neither did I, until now. Read on to find out more… (Warning: this article may cause side-effects, such as rushing out to your nearest rescue kennels!)

1. Dogs can help your heart!

Firstly, any dog-owner will tell you that there is no other love like the unconditional love of your pet dog. Their unwaivering loyalty and support is something that seriously cannot be rivalled. However, scientifically, studies have shown that dog owners have lower blood pressure! Furthermore, owning a pet dog has also been proven to have such a calming effect that this relationship can reduce stress levels. Even stroking a dog for a short period of time has been found to relax your muscles and slow your heart rate. Wow!

2. Dogs can sort your fitness out.

Okay, so this seems like an obvious one: owning a dog should equal more exercise. However, did you know that the average dog owner walks their darling pet one thousand miles per year?! So… enough said, really.

3. Dogs can improve your mental health.

Mental health is a struggle that is very real and one that many people experience on a daily basis. Many studies have found that owning a dog reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, partly by being such a constant presence in a home, but also by encouraging their owners to explore outside and meet other people. If you are a dog owner already, you will know that it is incredibly tricky to take your pooch for a walk without ending up in a conversation on your travels! Many health institutions, schools and care homes now utilise therapy dogs to aid adults and children with a range of mental and emotional concerns, with this being a concept that is even further on the rise following the global pandemic – some of these including depression, anxiety, PTSD and even dementia. Furthermore, studies have shown that dog owners can physically react to their dog’s company with raised levels of oxytocin – the “hormone of love”!

4. Dogs can make you appear more attractive…

This one may make you giggle, but it seems that studies have shown that, if a dog is featured with their owner in their dating app snaps, people are more likely to swipe right! Furthermore, men have more of a chance of being given a lady’s phone number if they have their pooch in tow…

5. Adopting a dog changes you forever.

Now, this final point is not based on science or studies or research, but this is by far the one that I am most sure of – more sure than anything. Adopting a rescue dog changes you, undeniably, in so many wonderful, healthy ways. It makes you view life with an entirely different viewpoint, as you navigate the humbling experience of knowing that your new best friend has lived a life before you came along and now entirely depends on you to build their trust all over again. What an incredible, beautiful responsibility. As, once that little soul has entered your life, you will never be the same again. And you will not want to be. Compassion, patience, kindness and protection are just a few of the qualities which will grow within you. But the most immense of all is love, and no one ever denied the effects that a little more love can have on your health!

There you have it: five reasons why adopting a rescue dog could be good for your health! You will change their life and, undoubtedly, they will change yours.

Until next time…

Love and snoot kisses,

Berry x