A dog is a great companion, and for people who live alone, they can offer company and unconditional love. They’re also excellent at deterring would-be criminals; it’s hard to risk breaking into a house when there’s always the chance of encountering a large, protective dog on the other side.
*Dog experts estimate that dogs were domesticated by humans as early as 12000 years ago.
*Dogs require loving homes and regular walks/exercise which means we can be healthy too! If we eat right, exercise and participate in positive interactions with our pet then we will likely experience many benefits: lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health and increased feelings of happiness just to name a few!
“Pets bring out the best in people.”
*Being a pet parent can help you develop empathy. It’s impossible to look into the eyes of your furry friend and not be moved by their vulnerability or unconditional love. You begin to understand what it means to love unconditionally.
*Just being around dogs makes us happy! A study conducted at Arizona State University found that looking at pictures of dogs caused people to smile more, and that the longer someone looked at the dog in the picture, the happier they felt.
* Dogs can benefit your physical health too! Studies show that owning a dog can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. In fact, petting a dog or interacting with a dog for just 10 minutes lowers the level of stress hormones in your blood.
*Great family pets! A dog can help children with social skills and confidence. Dogs are patient creatures, but they also push boundaries to show affection. This combined with an innate curiosity makes them great for kids experiencing anxiety or shyness issues.