Why dogs are good for your health

By Teresa Carr

Adams County Senior Council

Administrative Assistant

From seniorsguide.com/senior-health: Why Dogs Are Good for Your Health, by Tahir Tak M.D., July 15, 2024

Dear Mayo Clinic,

We’re thinking about getting a dog. We know they’re great companions, and we’ve also heard that dogs are good for your health. How can that be?

Answer: 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. Dogs get you moving. A notable benefit is that dogs force you to get up and move. 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. Over time, exercise will help strengthen your muscles, bones and joints. You may notice that your usual route is feeling easier so you 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. Walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. That 30 minutes of light-to-moderate dog walking also can help you achieve deeper, more restful sleep. Health care professionals recommend adults aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. One way to get walking with your new dog is to start a 12-week walking schedule.

Dogs are good for your mental health. For people who work from home, there are four significant ways pets can help with your mental health:

· Reducing work-related stress. Two out of 3 employees say work stresses them out, and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. Pets in the workplace, even at home, reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction.

· Managing anxiety. With the increase in work-from-home jobs, more people are struggling with mental health. Pets can provide the companionship and support once found in the office.

· Increasing activity. Dogs give you a reason to go outside, breathe in fresh air and get some physical activity.

· Combating loneliness. The bond with pets helps people feel less alone. Owners can touch, see, hear or talk to their companion animals, which brings happiness, connection and physical contact.

There’s also research showing the benefits of animal-assisted therapy during rehabilitation for nervous system conditions, such as strokes, seizure disorders, brain trauma and infections. Dogs can be a valuable part of cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs. They can provide social support, and trained dogs can even participate in your rehabilitation or therapy sessions.

Big decision, win-win solution. Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, and you should carefully consider the responsibilities. However, you also should consider the many wonderful health and emotional benefits that come from dog ownership.

The bottom line is that dogs are good for your health because they can help you be more active and socially connected while improving your overall health. It’s a win-win solution — and doggone fun.

Side note: Please consider volunteering at our local animal shelters. Often they are understaffed and would show you how to care for the animals. Sometimes, all they need is a little love.

Just A Thought: “A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings