How Dog Ownership can Help Our Health

It’s safe to say plenty of pet owners across the country have been extra grateful for dog ownership this year. From providing some much-needed company to helping with both physical activity levels and by improving mental health – there are plenty of benefits to having a pet in the home. Here are some of them.

Popular Pets

During these hard times, whether people are self-isolating or recovering from injuries, there is something to be said for the wonder of pets. Even though all animals are special, is there a breed that has proven to be the most popular in the country? A recent survey was created to answer that very question. They asked 2,000 Brits about their dog ownership and how they’ve been helping them during this year. It revealed the most popular dog in the UK was a Labrador retriever.

Your mental health:

Whether you spend time cuddling with your dog on the sofa, out walking or playing with them, the company you get from your pet is pretty special. 87% of people in the survey said they felt less stressed because of their pets. It makes sense that owning a dog can play a huge role in improving a person’s mental health. They can help make you feel less lonely. Even just the simple act of sitting down with your pet and stroking it has shown to have a calming effect. It releases serotonin and dopamine – which can help you relax. Rested Paws has compiled a list of all of the mood boosting benefits. They offer us companionship and give us the opportunity to socialise too. More about how pets benefit mental health here.

Your physical health:

Your physical health can also benefit from owning a pet, though of course, this may depend on how active your animal is. Having a dog means that you have to walk it regularly every single day, which benefits the pup and helps you reach your daily step count. It creates a routine for both of you, helps you bond and helps you keep active. It has been shown that dogs and cats help keep your heart healthier.

Working from home and dog ownership:

Dogs can offer an excellent reason to get out for daylight and fresh air during a working day- great for workplace wellbeing. Even though there are a lot of benefits behind owning a pet, they can be distracting when you’re working from home. You need to find a balance between work and play and train your dog to leave you to work when needed. There are plenty of tips on how to work from home with pets here.

Pets bring so much love into a home and make a world of difference to your health. They do require time, thought, money and attention but are completely worth it! What’s your favourite thing about owning a pet? Let us know in the comments below.