There’s no denying that dog owners have a special bond with their furry companions. But did you know that this relationship could actually prolong your life?
It’s true! Numerous studies have shown that dogs can significantly affect our physical and mental health in the short and long term. From reducing stress levels to increasing our overall fitness, dogs can help us live longer, healthier lives.
Here are 7 ways dogs can help you live to 100:
Dogs Can Be A Source Of Unconditional Love & Companionship
We all know that dogs make great companions. They’re always happy to see us, they listen to us (unlike some humans), and they provide us with endless amounts of love and affection. This companionship can be incredibly beneficial to our mental health, especially as we age.
The mere fact that dogs provide us with companionship can help improve our health and well-being. Studies have shown that dog owners are less likely to experience loneliness or depression than those without pets. And for seniors, living alone with a dog can help prevent cognitive decline and memory loss.
Dogs Can Help Us To Stay Physically Active
It’s no secret that dogs need plenty of exercise. And while walking your dog may not seem like much, it can actually do wonders for your health.
Regular walks with your dog can help improve your cardiovascular health, increase your overall fitness, and reduce your risk of developing obesity or type II diabetes. In fact, one study showed that dog owners are physically more active than those without dogs, even when other health and lifestyle factors are taken into account.
So, if you’re looking for a way to add some extra exercise to your life, getting a dog is a great option!
Dogs Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure and cholesterol are two major risk factors for heart disease. But did you know that owning a dog can help lower your levels of both?
One study found that dog owners had significantly lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those without dogs. And another study showed that people who adopted dogs from shelters significantly reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels within just five months.
So, if you want to improve your heart health, a dog could be a great addition to your family.
Dogs Can Help Reduce Stress And Anxiety Levels
We all experience stress from time to time. For some of us, it’s a normal part of life. But for others, it can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety and other health problems.
One way to help reduce stress and anxiety levels is by spending time with a dog. Dogs not only provide us with companionship but also love, and security, which can help ease our stress and anxiety.
This is not only backed by the experiences of dog owners but also by research. In one study, dog owners who spent time with their dogs had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t spend time with their dogs.
Dogs Can Help You Stay Social And Connected
A dog can be a great icebreaker and conversation starter. Most pet owners will agree to this! When you’re out walking your dog, people are naturally drawn to them and will often stop to chat. That gives you the perfect opportunity to meet new people and start conversations.
In addition, spending time with your dog can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Dogs provide companionship, which is essential for maintaining good mental health.
So, if you’re looking for ways to stay social and connected, consider getting a dog! They are man’s best friend for a reason.
Dogs Can Help Boost Your Mood And Mental Health
A growing body of research has shown that dogs can positively affect our mental state and even help boost our mood and relieve stress. So if you’re feeling down or anxious, consider spending some time with a furry friend.
There’s also a type of therapy called Pet or Animal Therapy. In this therapy, mentally and physically challenged people to interact with trained animals (commonly dogs) to help improve their mood and mental state.
Animal therapy is beneficial for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and even PTSD.
Dogs Can Help Ward Off Loneliness And Depression
As you might already know, one of the main reasons why people get dogs is for friendship. And it turns out dogs can provide more than just a friendly companion — they can also help alleviate loneliness and depression.
Whether you live alone in an apartment or simply feel a little down, a dog can provide much-needed company and unconditional love. Dogs are social creatures, and they crave attention and interaction like humans.
Dogs can help ward off loneliness in several ways. First, they provide us with someone to talk to and keep us company. Of course, they can’t actually hold a conversation, but c’mon, they’re still pretty great listeners.
Second, they give us a sense of purpose and responsibility. Whether simple things like taking them for a walk or more involved tasks like training them, dogs give us a reason to get up and out of the house every day.
Last but not least, dogs can help increase our social interactions. As mentioned before, dogs are great icebreakers and conversation starters. Whenever you’re out with your pooch, you’re bound to run into other dog owners who you can strike up a conversation with.
Dogs can also help us meet new people in general. People who may not even be dog owners are often drawn to puppies and will stop to pet them or chat with you for a minute. Walking your dog around the neighborhood is a great way to get to know your neighbors and build a sense of community.
Final Thought on Ways Dogs Can Help You Live To 100
Dogs make great additions to any family. They provide companionship, love, and security, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. In addition, they can help boost our mood and mental state, ward off loneliness and depression, and increase our social interactions.
All these benefits ultimately lead to a happier, healthier, and longer life.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a dog, go for it! You won’t regret it.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years myself, I’ve tried an abundance of different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have nothing but praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be hard, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
