Dogs are well known for their friendliness and affection toward their owners. However, dogs are more than just a friendly animal presence in the home that barks when it wants attention. Dogs can provide companionship, as well as known health benefits to their owners.
- Pet ownership can help to reduce blood pressure
Studies have proven that dog owners have lower blood pressure than people who do not own a pet, but rely solely on medication to control high blood pressure. This is because animals relieve stress and tension, which are contributing factors in increased blood pressure. Having a dog to make a fuss of is also a diversion from health complaints.
- Pets need exercise
Dog owners have an extra reason to exercise and that is because they have a dog to walk each day. Having a dog means that pet owners must now consider the health needs of their pet, rather than continue to procrastinate when it comes to exercise. Walking provides owners with a good cardiovascular workout. Dogs that walk at a faster pace make their owners walk faster to keep up with them. The result is that the pet owners end up burning more calories than they would if they took a leisurely walk.
- Dogs are loyal and loving
Dogs can grow into very loyal and loving pets for their owners. Their presence helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness, boredom and isolation, particularly for single pet owners. A dog that allows its owner to stroke it will often reciprocate, by affectionately nuzzling up to its owner. Dogs also provide good companionship and they often react with great loyalty if they see their owners under threat. Whereas people are known to judge, criticize or belittle, dogs show loyalty to the owner who feeds and cares for their welfare. It is an endearing quality of animals that is quite common.
- Pets sense danger
Dogs have a keen sense of danger. Various news reports have made mention of the bravery of dogs as they alerted their owners to danger, such as a burning house, which in effect, saved their lives. Dogs will often also attack a trespasser who threatens their owner verbally or physically.
Pet owners often enjoy an improved quality of life, as they strive to take care of the needs of their canine friends. Focusing attention on the dog can make some people forget about their loneliness and health problems. In return, they have a loyal companion for life.
