Those of us who have or have had a dog know that its presence can make us tremendously happy .

This fact is demonstrated in the II Scientific Analysis of the Affinity Foundation on the Relationship between People and Companion Animals , which for its research has had a sample of 6,000 subjects, and which states that 74% of the Spanish population assures that living with a dog makes them or would make them happier .

Half of Spanish families, 43%, live with a pet in their home. The dog is the favorite pet. And, of course, over time, the emotional connection between caretaker and pet becomes visible. According to the data from this study, 31% of Spaniards consider their dog or cat more important than their friends. In addition, 71% say they communicate regularly with their pet.

Benefits and advantages of having a dog

Dogs are great friends and are the preferred companion animal for many because they make themselves loved. Dogs treat us in a particular way, without judging us.

But, what are the benefits of having a dog at home? how does this pet affect our health? Here is a list of the 10 benefits that having a dog brings you, both on a psychological level and in other important aspects of your health and well-being.

Helps you exercise

All of you who have dogs will have enjoyed those afternoons walking with them . Other pets bring many benefits, but it is not very common to take a cat (who usually enjoy more freedom) or a rabbit for a walk. Dogs need to go outside to relieve themselves several times a day, and need long walks to enjoy a healthy life. Accompanying them on these walks benefits you too, as walking is excellent aerobic exercise.

Did you know that walking helps you sleep better, increases life expectancy or reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s? If you want to know more about the benefits of walking, you can read this article.

2. A more active social life

But walking your dog is not only an excellent opportunity to lose weight and enjoy greater cardiovascular health through physical exercise. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people.

The parks where dogs usually go running are full of people who enjoy the same hobby as you: having a pet. Could this be an excellent opportunity to flirt? Who knows. It’s up to you.

3. An excellent therapeutic tool

Within the Animal Assisted Therapies (TAA), the animal that is most used is the dog , as it is a pleasant pet that brings many benefits both psychological, social and physical. Children, adolescents, the elderly, the mentally ill, etc. benefit from the company of dogs, as they are a therapeutic resource that helps to achieve benefits and improvements in people.

  • To learn more about dog therapy you can read this post: “The benefits of dog therapy”

4. Better cardiovascular health

Having a dog improves your cardiovascular health. Not just because it allows you to exercise, but because the simple act of petting a dog reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Research conducted in China found that dog owners have the lowest cholesterol levels and are more likely to survive a heart attack.

5. You will be less stressed

There have been a number of studies that have shown that dogs decrease stress levels. Cuddling your dog, playing with him or simply noticing his affection can reduce your stress level on a daily basis . Science shows that having a dog reduces stress related hormones: cortisol.

6. You will feel safer

Dogs can be an effective security system , because in addition to alerting you to the presence of strangers with their barking, dogs are also protective of their owners. I’m sure that if you need help, he will be there to protect you. Without a doubt, dogs increase your sense of security.

7. Makes you happier

Dogs are perfect companions because they are there for us in good times and bad. In fact, loneliness can increase the risk of death and dogs won’t leave you alone.

Researchers have shown that dog handlers tend to suffer less from depression , as caring for these animals provides valuable companionship and helps people to be more positive. As we said at the beginning of the article, 74% of the Spanish population says that living with a dog makes them happier. The data speaks for itself.

8. Makes you resistant to allergies

Although dogs can be the worst nightmare for those who are allergic to these pets, growing up in a house with dogs helps children to develop fewer allergies throughout their lives .

This is the claim of a study conducted by a group of researchers at the University of Cincinnati. Interestingly, cats have the opposite effect: they increase the likelihood of developing allergies.

9. They entertain you

Dogs can be a lot of fun and can give you a lot of fun. In fact, even at an early age, children enjoy the company of these pets.

As we get older, having a partner with whom to go for a walk on the beach, to run or simply to play a little with the ball, entertains us and allows us to spend great moments with him .

10. Makes you responsible

Having a dog is a big responsibility . That’s why having a dog as a companion animal can make you learn great life lessons. You have to feed them, take them out to relieve themselves, they need to be educated, etc.

Having a dog requires discipline, motivation and also requires good financial management. Unfortunately, there are people who buy one on a whim and then realize that a dog needs to be cared for. That is why it is important to send out one last message: let’s love dogs as they love us .