No Bones About It, Dogs Are Good for Your Health, Physical, Mental & Social: Mayo Clinic 🐕 [View all]
- Dogs Help Your Emotional and Physical Health. Mayo Clinic, May 24, 2023. Edit.
People with dogs know the benefits of pet ownership. The unconditional love, trust and loyalty shown by your canine companions, coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm on your return home each day, is hard to put into words.
There's another plus of having a dog by your side: It improves your overall physical and mental health. Here's how. - Dogs get you moving. 🐕🦺 One notable benefit is that dogs force you to get up and move.
One research study found that dog owners are more likely to report regular physical activity than people who don't own dogs.
Activities associated with dog ownership, like feeding, grooming, playing and letting them outside, all increase physical activity levels. Physical activity improves blood flow, induces muscle contraction and reduces joint stiffness. Dogs also require regular exercise, and will greet it with smiles and wagging tails. In addition to a typical walk, you can work hiking and running into your outings with your dog depending on its breed. People who regularly perform aerobic exercise have improved blood pressure, reduced blood sugar levels, better controlled weight and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. ❤
Other studies have demonstrated that exercise can improve depression and anxiety. Over time, exercise will help strengthen your muscles, bones and joints. You may notice that your usual route is feeling easier and decide to stay out longer or walk up that extra hill. When selecting a new puppy or dog, carefully consider its energy levels and exercise requirements. It's best when your lifestyle and activity levels match that of your canine buddy. - Dogs help your weight. Exercise burns calories and helps you maintain a healthy weight.
In one study, adults who regularly walked their dogs were less likely to be obese than their nondog-owning neighbors.
That research found that dog owners also are more likely to report a healthy diet and blood sugar at ideal levels, which improves overall heart health. Walking for 30 mins a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. That 30 mins of light-to-moderate dog walking also can help you achieve deeper, more restful sleep. - Dogs promote social connection. Owning a dog has been linked to better mental health and a lower perception of social isolation, which can reduce the risk of heart attacks and cognitive issues. Being socially isolated is a strong risk factor for worse health outcomes and premature death. Dog owners interact more with other people, such as other dog owners and people they encounter on walks, and are less likely to experience depression.
- Increasing activity. Dogs give you a reason to go outside, breathe in fresh air and get some physical activity.- Combating loneliness...More,
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dogs-are-good-for-your-health