The benefits of dog ownership… and it gets better with age

There is a reason that dogs are mans best friend! Not only are they a loveable member of the family, they can also provide us with a number of physical and emotional health benefits.

Those of us over 60 can reap particular benefits of dog ownership. Listed below are some of the top reasons.

1. You’ll feel happier.

Puppies are playful and so full of love that you can’t help but smile at them.

2. You’ll get more exercise.

Dogs need exercise. Even if it’s just a ten minute walk around the block, they still motivate you to get up and get moving every day.

3. They will de-stress you.

Having a dog can make performing nerve-wracking tasks a little less difficult. They have also been found to help in relieving stress and anxiety.

4. You’ll become more social.

As a dog owners, you will get to talk to other dog owners. When you take your pup on its daily walk and it stops to sniff at another dog, you’ll have the chance to chat with the fellow dog owner, even if it is just about your pets.

5. They can help you relieve chronic pain. Pain such as migraines or arthritis can be managed with the help of a dog. It has been found that dogs help to reduce anxiety and with less anxiety, there will be less pain.

6. They help to combat loneliness.

Dogs are loyal companions who will provide you with unconditional love.

7. Having a dog is good for your heart!

It has been found that the simple act of patting a dog can lower your blood pressure, which can lower your chance of heart diseases.

8. They help to lower cholesterol.

Studies have shown that dog owners, in particular men, have a lower level of cholesterol. This may be because a pet owners lifestyle will generally be more active.

9. They can provide you with a sense of home security.

A dog will bark at night and alert you if there is anything amiss. So even little dogs can provide you with this comfort.

10. Small dogs are easy to look after.

They don’t need much exercise, they eat less food and they can even sit on your lap when your watching TV at the end of the day.

As you can see, dogs make a wonderful addition to any family, no matter how big or small! Do you have a dog?

image: Kimberly Gauthier