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Have you thought about owning a dog, but have been on the fence? The following are ways owning a dog will improve your health.

 

Owning a dog means you’ll get more exercise. Your dog will beg you for walks, which will help you get outside more. Your dog’s enthusiasm will help you adjust your attitude about exercise. A dog will help you exercise on days when you might have put it off, because the responsibility to your pet will motivate you. Consider other ways to exercise with your dog. Try playing fetch with your dog or teaching him tricks, like how to catch a frisbee. All of this will get your up and moving, which will burn calories and improve your health.

 

If you have high blood pressure, owning a dog can lower it. When doctors studied pet ownership and health benefits, they discovered petting your dog lowers your blood pressure. The next time your dog wants a scratch behind the ears, settle in for a long rub down, realizing you are benefitting from the experience as much as he is.

 

Dog ownership opens up social connections and interactions. Even in big cities like New York City, where people don’t talk to each other much, people find dogs to be a good ice breaker. Try bringing your dog to a doggie park where you can talk to other dog owners as your dogs socialize, or take your dog to the pet supply store with you and chat up other pet lovers. Social connections are important for emotional health.

 

It’s been determined that dog ownership helps with emotional strength and resilience. Studies reveal that a dog’s unconditional love and zest for life actually helps people recover from disappointment and handle stress better. In fact, dog owners tend to live longer than those who don’t own pets. If you get lonley or depressed, a dog may be just what you need.

 

Want to live your healthiest life possible? Think about investing in a canine best friend.

 

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Filed under: Fitness and Exercise

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