10 Ways Dogs Can Improve Your Quality Of Life

Source: theguardian.com

Dogs are people’s friends and that is something that is a rule of nature. When domesticated, dogs are taught to be loyal to humans who feed them and provide them with living conditions. What we can do is to provide them with the best possible conditions, love and home, and of course enough food to improve their quality of life.

Shelters nowadays are full of abandoned pets, especially dogs, because former owners thought it was easy to buy and keep a dog, especially small breeds or extremely large dogs. But what many don’t anticipate is that regardless of size, a dog is there to give an enormous amount of love. Breeders like TomKings Kennel know this best, who, in addition to a pure breed, also insist on the responsibility of the owners who adopt the dog.

However, small breeds are very specific to keep, but what they give you cannot be replaced in any way, not even by the people around you. Among the different breeds, small dogs have become increasingly popular as they make great companions for those who live in apartments or have limited space.

Still, no matter the size, here are 10 ways owning a dog improves your life from many different aspects:

1. More physical activity

Source: dailypaws.com

Dogs require regular play and walks, which is quite beneficial for the owner. As it’s a pretty responsible thing to do, owning a dog often leads to increased physical activity, such as walking, running, or playing. Of course, it all contributes to better health conditions in general. An afternoon spent in the dog park near you is worth a few series of cardio exercises, so, it’s a great excuse to avoid the gym if you don’t feel like you want it.

2. Daily dose of stress relief

We’ve all been there. Coming back from work, being stressed and anxious, and there it is – your puppy wiggling its tail, and waiting for some love. Interacting with a dog can help lower stress levels, and blood pressure, and improve mood. That way, you manage your stress properly, and prevent many potential health issues we will explain in the next paragraphs. So, do you need any more reason to finally adopt the dog you’ve dreamed of your whole life?

3. Improved social connections

Source: helpguide.org

Walking a dog or participating in dog-related activities can be a great way to meet new people. It seems like a situation you’ve seen in the movies for sure. But, ask your friends who already own a dog how it goes when they have a walk. If you are into making new friends, dogs can surely help with that. Maybe it will all end up with a romance. Also, if you are an introvert, your dog will help you overcome social anxiety.

4. Better mental health

We explained the way dogs help you cope with stress and anxiety. Surely they can affect your overall mental health condition since studies have shown that a dog’s presence can ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. And when your mental health is in a good balance, your mood is better, and you feel physically healthier too.

5. Increased sense of purpose

Source: tractive.com

Is there any better feeling than you are someone’s whole world? When it comes to pets, they know we will do anything for them. Caring for a dog can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, especially for those who have a hard time coping with loneliness, or grieve a loss of a spouse or family member.

6. Improves your cardiovascular health

Owning a dog has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. We can say that increased physical activity and better stress management protect your heart and blood vessels. Your hormones are in perfect balance, and nothing can mess with you. Be thankful to your four-legged friend, because they are responsible for staying as healthy as possible.

7. Enhanced safety and security

Dogs were first bred for safety and security. They have a natural instinct to protect the people they love. That’s why they make perfect service dogs, even small breeds. A dog can provide a sense of safety and security, especially for those living alone. But, don’t underestimate their power to sense safety issues in family homes. Such precious beings, right?

8. Improved physical health

Source: hindustantimes.com

Physical activity contributes largely to better physical health. Regular exercise with a dog can improve overall physical health and help with weight management. This way, you manage other health conditions you may have, without letting anything stop you from enjoying life. And healthy people are happier too, and we will explain why immediately.

9. You feel happier than ever

Pets are here to make us happy. No matter if you choose a French bulldog, Boston terrier, great Dane, chihuahua, or Pomeranian puppy, you’ll feel happy every time they hug you. It’s the same with cats, birds, or even bunnies and Guinea pigs you choose. Still, owning a dog increases your happiness and overall well-being.

10. Improved cognitive functions

Source: veterinarians.org

Interactions with your dog will improve cognitive function, especially in older adults. Also, dogs make great pets for babies and toddlers. They can teach children boundaries, care, and love. Also, dogs largely contribute to great cognitive functions at the moment children become aware of the world around them.

Conclusion

If we had the time and space, we could surely list at least ten more ways your dog improves your life. Many people are against keeping pets and while we understand them, we can’t help but feel sorry for them for what they are missing out on. Of course, everyone has their reasons and it is not our place to judge on that topic.

But every pet makes our lives as happy as possible, and at the same time, it only requires love, attention, and, of course, regular visits to a veterinarian for health control. In return, you get someone who loves you no matter what makes you laugh every day, and can even save your life in certain dangerous situations.