Why Your Dog Is So Important To Your Health

If you, like me, are an animal lover, then you may already know this; having a pet is actually good for your health. Really good in fact!

They boost your mood

This one may seem obvious, as we all get very attached to our dogs, but they're a serious mood booster! If you take just 15 minutes of your day to play with your dog, research has proved that you will feel much happier for the rest of the day. Many people will point to the fact that they play with their dogs for much longer, too. Research has also proved that dogs provide companionship on the same level as human companionship.

Forget medicine!

The British Journal of Health carried out studies that found people with dogs were on average far healthier than those without. The dog owners had lower cholesterol and had fewer heart attacks. They also, on average, took less medicine and had fewer medical problems. Which leads me onto my next point...

Dogs keep you on the move

Your dog encourages you to exercise and stay fit. If you have a medium to large dog, you should be walking it at least one time per day. Therefore dog owners tend to be healthier and fitter than their non-dog owning counterparts.

Introvert to Extrovert

Dogs increase your sociability tenfold. It has been proven that dogs make you more approachable and more social. They even help people get over being shy. All this contributes to a healthier and happier you.

Stress Relievers

Picture the scene: It's been a long day at work. You're tired. You're frustrated. You need to unwind. Some of us sit down and put the television on. But those of us with dogs find comfort in the four-legged pals. Dogs have been proven to provide much-needed stress relief to their owners. They are the ultimate masters in helping us relieve stress and feel calmer.

Think of your kids!

Children with dogs in their home have fewer sick days, a better immune system and are in general far healthier than those without dogs.

Cancer... Check... Arthritis... Check

Those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will move and play more often if they have a dog. What's more, humans and dogs get the same types of cancer. This means that we discover more about the disease from studying dogs. Dogs really are helping us in the discovery and cure of cancer!

So as you can see, a dog in the home can lead to health benefits that you may have never even realized.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Your-Dog-Is-So-Important-To-Your-Health&id=9362211