It’s pretty common knowledge that people are much happier with animals around. Canines have the power to make human society better! Having a pet in the house not only helps us to feel happier, but it also comes with many other benefits as well. Dogs, in particular, help improve our over health!

Here are 10 ways dogs help improve our health!

1. Companionship
As humans, we naturally crave interaction with others. When any social interaction occurs, serotonin is released in the brain. Serotonin creates a feeling of pleasure. That’s why social media is so addictive to us. Lucky for us, a dog can help fill that desire for companionship.

2. Mindfulness
We live in an ear of distraction. As mentioned before, social media is addictive. It’s easy to become lost in the world of television and the internet. Life will pass us by before we even know it. Dogs help us to unplug and enjoy the moment.

3. Reduce stress
When was the last time you put your work aside and played with your fur baby? How did that make you feel? It’s likely that you felt more peaceful while spending time with him or her. That’s because when we are able to enjoy the present moment, it’s impossible to feel stressed. Stress comes from worrying about the future.

Spending just a few minutes with a pet can lower anxiety and blood pressure. People performing stressful tasks do better when there’s a dog around. Studies show dogs ease tension both at the office and between married couples. There are even universities that bring puppies on campuses during finals week to help the students to relax!

4. Exercise
It’s no secret that a dog will require physical activity. Those puppies are so full of energy and excitement that you’ll simply have to take them outside to play for a little while. The benefits you’ll receive from going outside and doing physical is absolutely endless!

5. Become more social
If you are a doggie-mom or dad, you have entered into an entirely new community. You’ve surely noticed, that where ever you take your dog, people stop you to meet your cutie. Otherwise, people might pass you without even saying hello. Bringing your puppy with you wherever you go opens up opportunities for conversations (and might even get you a date!)  

6. Increase Immunity
When you get a vaccine, you introduce your body to just a little of the virus to help your body learn to fight it. A dog may bring more germs into your home, but this helps your body to get stronger. Dogs and cats actually lower a child’s chance of becoming allergic to pets.

7. Increase Responsibility in Children
Having a dog is an excellent opportunity to teach a child to care for others. The child must learn to feed, walk, and nurture the dog. Growing up with a sense of responsibility is incredibly healthy for any child.

8. Therapy
Dogs are their own built-in therapy session. The truth is, it’s much better for us to express our emotions, rather than bottling them up. If you don’t have a therapist or a trusted family member to express yourself too, your dog will be there to listen to you. Better yet, no matter how low you’re feeling, your pup will shower you in unconditional love - making them the best therapists of all.
 
9. Battle depression
As stated before, people tend to be happier with dogs around. Studies show that dog owners have a greater sense of self-esteem and have a greater conscientiousness about the life they live.

10. Give a purpose
Dogs help us remember that our life has a purpose. Your fur baby depends on you. You care for all of his or her needs in life. If you are ever wondering if your life matters; try doing service for someone. When you see the effect your actions make in someone’s life, you are able to recognize your own value. Dogs give us someone we can constantly serve and take care of.

Can you believe all these health benefits of having a dog around? We truly are lucky to have dogs around! Dogs are truly the best friends that mankind can have!