We all know how a wagging tail and pure joy at the fact that we decided to come home again can make us smile, but there are some other little-known health benefits to owning our fur-kids. Here are a few I found - some might surprise you!
One of the biggest, and not overly-surprising facts is that dog owners are typically more active than non-dog owners. A 2006 study done by Canadian researchers at the University of Victoria showed dog owners walked on average 300 minutes a week, compared to non-dog owners who averaged 168 minutes per week. This effect extends to the children of dog owners as well - the study also showed that children who grow up with dogs in the household are more likely to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity than those without. Something MUCH needed for the current generation of young children, in my opinion.
Many parents worry about exposing their young children to animals for fear of illness and allergies. However, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2011 showed that children who were exposed to household dogs before the age of 4 were less likely to develop environmental allergies. On top of that, the study found specifically that the rates of children who develop eczema were considerably lower than those without household dogs before the age of 4.
We all know dogs can be trained to sniff out bombs and illicit substances, but there's a new type of sniffer that is helping combat a now widespread problem: Peanut Detection Dogs. Training facilities such as the Florida Canine Academy have successfully trained dogs for people whose peanut allergies are so severe that even miniscule residues can trigger an allergic reaction. The dog pictured here is a peanut detection dog, named Holmes, with his owner - a girl highly allergic to peanuts. Her mother was quoted as saying: "Now I don't have to worry, we have Holmes, he has hit on countless items I have been assured are safe. I don't trust the companies, I trust Holmes .... he has never been wrong."
Dogs can naturally lower your blood pressure. A study done by The University at Buffalo evaluated blood pressure and related health factors of stockbrokers in New York. When the study was complete, evidence showed that stockbrokers with dogs had considerably lower blood pressures than those without. The calming effect of dogs, combined with the companionship they offer, can be an excellent way to reduce blood pressure.
Robert Bierer, a Child Psychologist in New Mexico, conducted a study that showed that pre-adolescent children who had dogs and were involved their care, had considerably higher levels of self-esteem and empathy. These children also developed a stronger sense of responsibility for their actions and greater work-ethic in their teenage years.
Owning a dog is hard work and takes a lot of time, dedication and compassion. But if you are willing to put in the effort, the healthy effects that dogs have on humans can improve your physical, mental and social well-being.
