Any dog owner will tell you how much joy a dog can bring into your home. You play with them, you snuggle, you go for walks, and you share a deep connection and love. Your dog most likely worships you, and vice versa. However, what you might not realize is that dogs are also great for your mental and physical health. Here are eight ways that a dog can enrich your life.
Physical Fitness
Everybody needs some form of exercise regularly. For some, getting up to work out or even going outside for a walk can be hard. However, with a dog, the motivation is built-in. Part of properly caring for dogs is providing them with the physical activity they need to be healthy. Going for regular walks is how most dog owners do this. So, even if you aren’t up for going outside, your pup’s pleading face will get you out of bed or off the couch and onto the streets and walking paths of your neighborhood. Simply walking regularly can provide a wealth of health benefits, so having a dog will improve your physical health immensely.
Better Sleep
If you talk to some dog owners, they might say that while they love their pup, it makes it hard to sleep. They like jumping on the bed, nestling themselves in, or stretching right out. Plus, some dogs whimper or bark at night. However, this isn’t necessarily the case for most households with a dog.
In fact, having dogs is linked to getting better sleep overall. There are several reasons why this might be true. Dogs provide a sense of security, for one. Their breathing can also be soothing and help restless sleepers settle down their minds. So, getting a dog might be just what you need if you are having trouble getting a good night’s sleep.
Protection
We all want to feel secure. That’s why we have locks on our doors, alarm system, and passcodes for our devices. When it comes to personal security, there is nothing better than having a dog. Alarm systems can be deactivated by resourceful criminals, for example. Plus, if you aren’t home, someone can still get in and out before the alarm service can get the police there. However, there is no turning off a dog. They will bark and ensure that everyone knows someone uninvited is trying to get into the home. If you aren’t home, you can count on a dog to deter any would-be intruders.
Stress Relief
Everyone suffers from stress at some point. You can come home from a tough day at work and spend the evening worrying about what the next day might bring, for example. A dog can help with this. Having a dog ask for pets, snuggles, or treats is an immediate injection of joy. Looking into the eyes of an adoring dog also reminds us that we are loved, and we are counted on. If you are looking at puppies for sale, remember that you are investing in your own mental health. Having a dog helps to break negative thoughts and inject some positivity into stressful times.
Companionship
Everyone needs companions. A dog is one that you can live with and spend most of your time with. There’s no fighting or tension with a dog. You can hang out together, watch TV, go for walks, or spend time playing outside. Dogs are great for knowing that you always have someone in your life who loves you. You can even talk to them about problems and get things off your chest or vent to them about friend issues. Dogs make you feel loved and needed, no matter what happens in your life. One breed that is really compassionate would be whole, which you can learn more about at My Whoodle.
They Help Teach Responsibility
A dog could be the answer if you have kids in your home and can’t get them to do anything around the house. Kids tend to love dogs, and taking care of them can even be fun. You can make it their job to feed, walk, and play with the pooch. If they resist household chores, they might be resistant to dog care at first, but they won’t want your pet to starve. So keep at it until it becomes a part of their daily routine, just like brushing their teeth and getting dressed in the morning are.
They Help With Routine
Speaking of routines, they can help with your adult routines as well. Are you having a hard time getting up in the morning or sticking to a schedule? Caring for a dog means you will have to get up and let them out and feed them, for example. They will let you know that you are shirking your duties if you don’t. That will get you out of bed and facing the day. In the evenings, you will also have to go through the feeding and playing routine, with your pet again being the clock that tells you when it’s time. Again, dogs will help build a solid routine from which you can build on.
They Make Us Laugh
Let’s face it: dogs are hilarious. Some do it by accident, and some seem to show-off, but they can make us laugh daily. Some dogs do it by sprawling out in funny positions, some do it by running around and chasing their tail, and some do it by making weird sounds. Whatever it is, dogs provide laughter, which has many health benefits. So you can be sure to get a daily dose of joy and merriment when a dog is around.
As you can see, there are many ways that a dog can enrich your life. However, if you are on the fence about bringing one into your home, this list hopefully has helped you take the big step to say yes.