How Pets Improve Your Health and Make You Happier (9 Solid Ways)

Wondering how pets improve your health–how pets make you happy? There are several reasons to get a pet and enjoy the many associated benefits of raising these bundles of joy. Pets are incredible additions to any household. Keep reading to know why you need one in your life ASAP!

Now, let’s focus on dogs–man’s best friends–in particular

As we sit on the fence over getting a dog, we often ponder over the following questions:

• Will they really be worth all the time and effort we put into bringing them up?
• What do dogs bring to your life?
• Does owning a pet lead to a happier and healthier life?

It is proven that dog owners tend to live longer and better than people who do not own one. Being a dog parent is associated with improved physical and mental health. You feel better, move more throughout your day, and have a companion by your side, all of which contribute to a healthy and happy life in the long run.

If you have been skeptical about getting a furry buddy, do read on to discover the various benefits of having a dog in your life. Your dogs help you cope with your life’s struggles in more ways than you can imagine.

Let us look at 9 ways how pets improve your health and make you happy

1. Companionship

How can pets make you happy and improve your life? Of the many reasons how pets improve your health, being a great and constant companion is a significant one. Pets, especially dogs, offer great companionship for life. There is no denying the fact that dogs indeed are a man’s best friend.

They will more than make up for any loyalty, love, and companionship that might otherwise be missing from your life. They can sense when your spirits are low and will remain by your side till you feel better. They just know when things are not okay and fix it with a paw on your arm, a tender look, and some sloppy kisses.

2. Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Dogs are a source of comfort and solace. The unconditional love that a dog showers keeps us in our senses, quite literally. They have a way of interpreting our emotions and engaging with us until our minds are relieved and our spirits lighter. Dogs help reduce our anxiety and stress so much that some breeds are specially trained to become therapy dogs.

Dogs help to bring down levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are happy hormones. You are less likely to suffer from stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and hypertension if you have a pet. Just another pawsome way how pets can improve your health!

3. Add Routine to Your Day

If you have struggled to create and follow a proper routine, try bringing a dog into your life. When you want to ensure that your dog lives a steady, stable, and healthy life, making them follow a routine is very important. While trying to establish their routine, make sure to design it so that their schedule fits into yours, and you can add a routine to your day.

For example, they can help you wake up early by asking you to take them out for a morning potty break. You can include multiple short breaks to play with and train your dog. If you have been missing your workouts or evening walks, this is your chance to get it back on track with your dog’s help.

4. Keep You Fit and Active

A study showed that walking with a dog increases your walking speed by 28%, compared to an increase of 4% that happens when you walk with another human. When you have a dog to take out for walks every day, you are likely to become fitter and more active.

It is crucial to take your dogs out for walks in the parks or hikes along the mountain to ensure optimal health levels. And, when you do it, you too get your share of everyday physical exercise and movement. You can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, strengthen your cardiovascular system, and become less prone to infections and illnesses. An important way how pets improve your health.

5. Facilitate Weight Loss

When you increase your levels of exercise and physical movement per day, your metabolism improves. When the metabolism increases, you burn more calories. This eventually aids in fast and effective weight loss.

Considering our fast-paced lifestyles, trying to fit in a workout schedule can be difficult. But when you have a dog that needs to be taken out for walks every day, you manage to squeeze in a much-needed walk or run. You and your dog can also engage in fun games and activities that involve rigorous body movement to stay fit. This will keep both your and your dog’s weight in check. It is a win-win!

6. Improve Social Life

Dogs do wonders in improving our social lives. When you have a dog, people tend to interact with you so that they can get a chance to play with your furry friend. It is easier to initiate a conversation with a fellow dog parent. You get into a natural comfort zone and are unlikely to run out of topics to talk about!

You may improve your social life when you attend dog meets and events. And, if you are lucky, you can also go on a double date with your four-legged companion by your side.

Read: How to find happiness in life

7. Ease Depression

When you have a dog by your side, you feel happier. They give you a reason to get out of your bed and do simple, everyday tasks that you may otherwise neglect. Dogs can sense your mood and emotions. When they observe that you are not having the best of days, they will follow you around and lift your spirits in any way they can.

Dogs are always doing crazy, fun, and goofy things that never fail to bring a smile to your face. If you are able to take care of your pet when you are at your lowest, you are sure unlikely to miss out on self-care! Isn’t that a wonderful way how pets improve your health?

Read: 15 easy self-care tips that will actually energize you

8. Improve Immunity

Dogs help us achieve optimal fitness levels. To ensure your dogs remain fit, you inevitably include some sort of exercise and movement in your daily schedule too. Staying active and fit, in turn, boosts your immunity. A healthy immune system protects you from infections and diseases and keeps you hale and healthy.

9. Increase Bone Density

Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that increases bone density and strengthens bones. Your morning walks in the sunshine will also ensure you get a dose of Vitamin D that your body needs to assimilate calcium.

How Should I Care for My Furry Friend?

It is a two-way street. Just like your dogs contribute to your happiness and health, you should do the same (and sometimes more) for them. Pets are not always easy to manage. So before you decide to get one, determine whether you will be able to take on the hardships and look out for them without losing patience.

Different pets have different needs and requirements. Choose one that fits your lifestyle and one who you will be able to cater to well. If this is your first time getting a pet, you need to check for the dog breeds for new owners. Here’s how to take care of your dog’s needs and keep them healthy and happy!

• Besides constant love and affection, you need to make sure they are regularly and adequately fed. Proper nutrition is integral to taking care of your furry friend.
• Establish a routine for your pet that is easy for them to follow. A routine helps bring discipline to your pet’s life and yours. They will know when to eat, when and where to relieve themselves, when to play, when to go for a walk, and when to sleep. And in their infinite wisdom, that’s how pets improve your health too.
• Dogs are intelligent creatures. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to foster their minds by including activities that improve their cognitive abilities. You can do this by training them to follow commands or getting them to hunt down hidden treats!

• Provide a comfortable and safe environment for your furry friend. Make sure they have ample space and room to move around freely. Keep all dangerous things out of their reach.
• When you begin training your pets, do it through positive reinforcement, and refrain from punishing them to prevent fear-based behavior and other psychological issues.
• Make sure to cuddle with them and communicate to them how much they mean to you. They are a family member, so make sure you treat them like one too.

Read: How to make moving house less stressful for your dog

Final Thoughts

How do dogs provide happiness? Why do dogs make us happy? How do pets improve your health? I am pretty sure you have the answers to these questions now. Perhaps you cannot wait to get your very own furry companion. If you are ready to unravel all the merriment of being a pet parent and ready to take on the accompanying responsibilities, there’s no time like now to get started!