Owning a dog is great for the mind, body, and soul. Having a furry friend curled up next to you on the couch or eagerly waiting for you at the door when you get home is sure to bring a smile to your face. A dog is considered man’s best friend for good reason. Aside from the pure enjoyment of owning a dog, it can actually have a lot of benefits for your health in ways you hadn’t even considered.
Less Stress
Dogs make incredible therapy animals because they can be very calming and trustworthy. In the best and worst of times, they’re there to listen and never judge. The simple act of petting a dog can help to lower blood pressure too. So when you’re feeling stressed, spending time with your dog playing catch or cuddling can relieve tension and leave you feeling more relaxed.
Increased Exercise
Okay, so maybe you’re not thrilled about getting up early to take Fido on a walk, but think about this – it gets you up and moving when you otherwise might not be. Daily walks with your dog can help you get in more steps each day and boost your cardiovascular activity. Add in a few games of fetch or running around the yard and you’ve increased your physical activity even more. You’re likely to be more active in general just responding to your pet’s needs and interacting with them. Plus, they can be great companions while running, hiking, or swimming.
Improved Socialization
People are naturally attracted to dogs. When you’re out and about, whether at the dog park, a favorite outdoor restaurant, or even in your neighborhood, it’s likely that someone is going to stop to chat about your dog. It’s a helpful icebreaker and can allow you to meet all kinds of people. In turn, this can decrease loneliness and depression. Plus, people love to talk about their pets, so you’ll automatically have something in common and a familiar topic for conversation.
Enhanced Responsibility
Being a pet owner also promotes responsibility, which can be a wonderful lesson, especially for children. A dog relies on its owner for food, water, grooming, walks, and more. Get your kids involved and make them responsible for feeding your dog each day, or taking it outside when they get home from school. Having a dog can also give you a greater sense of purpose since you know someone else is depending on you.
And for those times when you can’t be home with your dog, the team at Lake Wylie Pet Resort is happy to help out. Whether you need to board your dog overnight or want to bring it for doggie daycare a few days a week, we’ve got you covered. We ensure your dog is safe, well cared for, and gets plenty of attention and exercise. Contact us today for more information.