The Power of the Dog: How These Faithful Companions Benefit Our Lives

Dogs have been known to be man’s best friend for centuries. From the ancient times of hunters and warriors to guardians of the hearth and home, dogs are deeply woven into the history of humanity. Today, you don’t need to be a hunter or a warrior to benefit from the power of owning a canine companion as a pet. But why is owning a dog so powerful? What can these faithful companions bring to our lives? Let’s explore the benefits of having a four-legged best-friend in our lives.

The Physical Benefits of Owning a Dog

For starters, there are great physical benefits of owning a dog. With a canine companion by your side, you’ll feel eager to get out and get moving. A survey done by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that people who owned dogs were more likely to get regular physical activity than those who did not own dogs. They also showed that adults with a canine companion are more likely to meet physical activity requirements than those who don’t. That same survey mentioned that adults who owned dogs were also more likely to have good heart health.

The Emotional Benefits of Owning a Dog

There’s no doubt that the emotional benefits of owning a dog are invaluable. Studies have shown that having a four-legged buddy can help reduce stress, decrease feelings of isolation, help with depression and even help with controlling anxiety.

One particular study done by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) showed that participants who had a canine best-friend were likely to experience lowering of stress levels and had a decrease in negative moods. Dogs have also been known to help people get through difficult times. The same study from the AVMA also suggested that siblings of participants who owned a canine companion experienced less depression.

A 2019 survey done by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed that participants who owned a dog were more likely to report satisfaction in life, have less feelings of loneliness, have boosted self-esteem, plus an increase in overall life enjoyment.

The Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

Lastly, having a canine companion can have a positive effect on your overall health. Studies have suggested that owning a dog can lead to longer healthier lives. One particular survey done showed that out of 3.8 million people studied, those who owned a dog had an 11% reduced risk of death over those who did not own a dog.

Another survey conducted on the health benefits of owning a dog showed that participants had a 21% reduction in risk of having a heart attack. In the same survey, the incidence of having heart diseases dropped by 15%.

In conclusion, it’s clear to see that having a canine companion can really be beneficial to our health, both emotionally and physically. The unconditional love, loyalty and companionship that dogs can offer are not something that can be replicated by anything else. It shouldn’t be surprising to any of us, then, that owning a canine companion is something of immense power and benefit to our lives.