Why Humans NEED Dogs

Having dogs in your home does more than provide you with companionship. Dogs can actually improve your health overall. Learn more about some of the ways that living with dogs can make people healthier and happier.

A Healthier Heart

Research has shown that people who have dogs tend to recover better from heart attacks. They also have a lower risk of dying from heart disease, as well as lower cholesterol levels and healthier blood pressure levels when stressed. Some of these results could be due to the fact that having dogs keep people more active. Dog owners typically get more exercise, such as going for walks, than those who don’t have dogs.

Stress Management

When you have a dog, you can count on having lower stress levels. Studies show that having dogs around results in less anxiety and lower levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone that can have negative effects on health. Owning a dog is also associated with increased production of the hormone serotonin, which improves your mood.

Improved Immune Function

Having dogs in your home could help boost your immune system. Research has shown that kids who grow up with dogs around end up having increased immune system chemicals, which helps make their immune system function stronger and lowers the risk of getting sick.

Social Opportunities

Owning a dog means that you have more opportunities to socialize, such as when you take your dog out for walks or when you join a dog training class. Being social on a regular basis can help lower the risk of depression and improve your emotional well-being overall.

Health Alerts

Some dogs are good at alerting owners about a health problem that needs attention. This includes dogs who detect cancer, dogs who sense seizures and protect their owners from harm, and dogs who detect when blood sugar levels drop too low in owners with diabetes.

Whether your dog needs professional grooming, a place to play with other pups or some training sessions, you can find these services as well as dog boarding at DoGone Fun. Contact us to get more information on our services in Chicago.

This article was originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/why-humans-need-dogs/