Bark Out Loud: Do Dogs Improve Your Health?
I read an article in USA Today, which said having a dog can improve your health. According to the article, dogs make life friendlier, help us become more active, and help us heal.
I started to think about my relationship with my dogs and what my dogs are helping me do. They’re pretty lazy so they don’t help me become more active. In fact I think I could teach them a thing or two! However, the article also states that we learn about love through our dogs. This idea struck more of a chord for me. There is a bond that you create with your pet that isn’t unlike the bond with a child. I’ve had other dogs in my lifetime, but I think it’s at this particular time in my life — early 30s — that I really needed to learn and understand the parent/child type of love. My dogs have taught me that.
Has your dog improved your mental or physical health in some way?
Absolutely! I actually blogged about all the ways my dog improved my life (mentally, and physically) last night – a neat coincidence to have that article come out at the same time. The post is here: http://dogthusiast.com/2010/10/11/what-i-learned-from-losing-my-dog/
Hi Jen, thanks for sharing your lovely story.
I got my dog at an incredibly stressful time in my life and he turned out to be just what I needed. Focusing my energy on him (rather than myself) helped to melt away the stress I was under. To this day, every time I look at his sweet little face, I smile. He’s truly my best friend and a much needed positive force in my life!
Yes! Totally– I didn’t really realize until Paddy went on vacation last week without me how much she improves my quality of life. It was lonely to be at home without her, and I realized how much I rely upon her for companionship. I agree with what the previous poster, Christine said– even though taking care of Paddy is to a certain extent work, focusing on her needs instead of mine helps me to let go of the day’s stress.
I hear you — my house always feels colder and quieter without my dogs.
Definitely. I call Onyx my “therapy dog” because she never fails to make me feel better when I’m sad or stressed. Mocha is such a clown and reminds me not to take life too seriously.
Also, walking the dogs together has been a fun bonding experience for me and my husband. We take them hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains.
This time two years ago, I never would have imagined I’d have two big dogs, but now I truly don’t know what I would do without them.
I agree about the bonding time — it’s nice to have 2 dogs so you can walk them together with your spouse.
Absolutely! My dogs get me out every day so I get more exercise. And since I get more exercise, I also sleep better. I have also became more happy when I got dogs. There’s something in them that makes you smile and feel good about yourself. Being a good mommy to my dogs makes me feel more confident in general too. I tend to be more social too, because I have to chat with other dog owners in the dog park.
Dogs to wonders, don’t they? I can’t believe it is possible to get a dog and not benefit from it both mentally and psychically.
I recently lost a pet who had been a constant companion for 7 years and I can definitely say that they make their mark on your soul. Our puppy who we’ve had for several months is a bit lost without the other dog but he is definitely helping us to cope. Its hard to be upset when you have a big goofy puppy who still needs your love and attention, although we still miss our other dog dearly. Sorry to be a downer on this otherwise positive post! I guess its something we all deal with at one point or another. I’ve been a dog owner all my life so and I couldn’t imagine living without them. Dogs are always so positive and have a great enthusiasm for life, how could you not love ‘em?!
Sorry to hear about your loss — it’s very hard to lose a pet. However, it just shows you how important and special they are. I’ve always had dogs my whole life as well, so I know what it’s like always having a wagging tail to greet you when you come home! Never fails to make me smile
I cannot imagine life without my two dogs. After being laid off my dogs are the only reason I get out of bed in the morning.
They help me stay calm, keep me friendly and get me excercising. Without them I would be lost.
So true! People are much nicer and friendlier when you have a dog at your side. My greyhound manages to make me laugh even when I am fed up – he is so clumsy with his huge nose, he is always knocking into things. My other dog is much more sensitive and perfect for cuddles (the greyhound is a bit boney!).