How Dogs Improve Your Health
By Sara Butler
Are you a dog person? If not, maybe you should consider it. There’s mounting evidence that your canine companion can make you happier and healthier! Dogs may depend on you for love and food, but they also help you in a plethora of ways. Here are a just a few of the ways old Fido is fighting to improve your health.
Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is known as a silent killer. You can have it and not even realize it, only to have a problem down the road that poses a very serious problem for your health. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney disease. Researchers have found that when speaking to an animal or petting one, blood pressure can decrease.
Lower Heart Disease Risk
Your dog loves you. Who else can you leave all day and find waiting at the door for you, happier to see you in that moment than ever? Interaction with animals lowers stress and also improves your heart health, according to the American Heart Association. The byproducts of dog ownership appear to include lower cholesterol and increased cardiovascular health, lowering your risk of heart disease.
Walk the Dog
Dogs also help to get you out and get you moving because they have to go to the bathroom outside and get exercise! Taking your dog for a walk every day can help you reduce your risk of obesity and burn calories. On average, dog owners get 50 more minutes of physical activity per week than people who don’t own dogs. That may not sound like a lot of time, but it’s enough time to have a major impact on your health and wellness.
Immune System Boost
Recent research published in the journal Pediatrics revealed that babies who grow up in a home with a pet are sick less than those without animal companions. That may be because petting dogs increases the secretion of antibodies, helping to increase immunity and keep you well.
Reduce Depression
Spending time with four-legged friends can help reduce your risk of depression. Research has found that petting dogs (and other pets) boost serotonin levels in the brain, helping to keep the blues away. Plus, the increased exercise with dog ownership keeps your endorphins flowing, helping you to stay in a good mood. Dogs also help you to feel less lonely, an important thing for the elderly.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.
