Health Benefits of Having Dogs

Having a dog doesn't just mean a devoted companion in the house. Dog lovers have long testified to the benefits of having a dog or two, and modern science is in agreement.

Dogs -- and other furry friends -- are great for relieving stress and lowering blood pressure. Just sitting on the couch with a pet after a long and stressful day at work is enough to return your body to its pre-stress -- and more natural, safer -- state. But there's way more to it than that.

Allergies are unpleasant no matter how old someone is, and many people say they can't have or be around dogs because of their allergies. Studies have shown, however, that were these people exposed to dogs from childhood they would be less likely to suffer from allergies. And not just pet allergies; dogs by nature carry dust, dirt, grass particles and other potential allergens as well as dander. When children are exposed to this, they're less likely to have a reaction to it in adulthood.

From children to the elderly, the benefits of having a dog last a lifetime. The companionship an elderly person can get from a dog is obvious, but they can also have a practical use. Studies have shown that those with Alzheimer's have fewer and less severe episodes when they share their daily routine with a canine companions. Dogs are so in tune to the nature of their charges that even dogs who are not trained as service dogs can alert caregivers to an upcoming seizure. For an elderly individual who lives alone, having a dog can be a lifesaver in the case of a fall or other accident where they are not able to get help, and can rely on their canine to get someone's attention.

The effects of stress can lead to a number of different physical problems from heart disease and high blood pressure to depression and anxiety. Simply having a dog can help relieve stress, and prevent the body from spiraling downward.

The fitness aspect of dog ownership is another benefit. Getting out and going walking, jogging or hiking can be a difficult thing to get motivated to do when there's so many interesting things on the seemingly countless cable channels. But with a dog sitting by the door with a leash in her mouth, it's harder to turn into a complete couch potato.

Dogs aren't just good for our physical state, either; they can also enhance our mental and social well-being as well. Having a dog means walks and outings with your canine companion, and there are few things that will start a conversation or get people sharing stories like a cute puppy or beautiful dog. Strangers who may not necessarily even give another person a second glance can be stopped by someone with a dog, and initiate a conversation that quickly turns canine.

So in addition to providing a person who lives alone with company while they're at the house, dogs are also a great way to open up a person's social calendar and get them meeting new people. In fact, they've been found to be invaluable in helping people overcome problems with social anxiety.

And don't forget the potential for romantic relationships developing between people who met over their dogs. You can tell a lot about people from the kind of dog they choose, and it's a great way to know something crucial about someone before you even say hello.