If you have a dog, you have known this for a long time. But a dog is good for you, it makes your life complete. There is even scientific evidence for this. The next time you have a discussion with someone who does not like dogs, you can certainly use the following facts!
- You laugh more often with a dog
A dog sometimes does strange things. Playing with itself, chasing its tail, sometimes it really loses its way. But how nice is it to see this? A dog gives you a reason to laugh every day.
A study by Valeri in 2006 already showed that people with a dog laugh more than owners of a cat or people without an animal friend. Do you own a dog and a cat? Then it is really fun in the house!
- You are in top shape
Dog owners generally have more daily exercise than people without a dog. A dog needs to be walked, of course, and this benefits daily exercise. A 2011 test showed that 60% of dog owners surveyed met the amount of exercise recommended by doctors.
A study by the University of Missouri even showed that a dog is a better walking partner than a human. The pace at which you walk with your dog is usually much faster. In addition, human walkers complain more often about the weather, which causes them to pull each other out of the training.
- You become a lot more social
When you walk around the block with your dog, you are sometimes approached by other owners or passers-by who think your dog is absolutely fantastic. So you start talking more often and this benefits your social skills. Scientists published a study in 2007 that showed this.
- You won't feel alone anytime soon
The minute you get a dog you are assured that you will not feel lonely. Even if you are away from home for 5 minutes, a dog is always enthusiastic when you come back. How nice, all that love!
- A dog makes you happy
A dog really does make you happy. Some smart people from the University of California have studied a group of elderly people to see if having a dog improves their sense of happiness and quality of life.
This test showed that seniors with a dog are more satisfied with their social life. Seniors who have a dog are also fitter and mentally healthier than their peers without a dog. A dog gives your life structure and this can help you live a better life.
- A dog lowers your stress level
School, work, housework, sports… your life can be very busy sometimes. A busy life can bring stress. When you come home and can cuddle and play with your dog, this benefits your stress level. Cuddling your furry friend ensures that the production of the stress-reducing hormone - oxytocin - increases and the production of the stress hormone - cortisol - decreases. You therefore see a dog in the office more and more often. The reason for this: to increase the atmosphere at work and reduce the stress level.
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