12 Scientific Benefits of Being a Dog Owner

1. Dog owners have increased heart health

According to a study done by Harvard, dog owners showed lower levels of cholesterol and triglyceride than non-dog owners. 

2. Dogs make us feel less alone

Even when people are unable to help, dogs can. They provide unwavering affection, emotional support, and nonstop cuddling that combat social isolation. 

3. Dogs help you stop stressing out

Your dog's company can provide solace and reduce your anxiety. Numerous studies have demonstrated the calming effects of therapy dogs and dogs in general.

4. Dogs help us cope with crisis

Military veterans with PTSD fare better when they have a service dog, according to research from Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, both physically and psychologically. 

5. Dogs make you more attractive

In a series of studies, men were more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them.

6. Dogs encourage you to move

According to a 2019 British study, dog owners are almost four times as likely as non-dog owners to reach recommended daily physical activity levels.

7. Dogs are so adorable they make us love them

Puppies are particularly alluring for a reason: a dog's facial features have a "infant schema." These "social releasers" cause people to automatically care about others.

8. Dogs make us more social

Researchers have found that about 40 percent of dog owners had an easier time making friends. Dogs are the perfect way to get to know strangers and form new friendships.

9. Dogs make us happier

A 2009 Japanese study discovered that gazing into your dog's eyes increases your amount of oxytocin, popularly known as the "love hormone," which has been shown to improve mood.

10. Dogs help seniors with cognitive function and social interaction

Studies looking at how dogs affect senior citizens showed promising outcomes. According to one study, pet therapy helps long-term care individuals who are suffering from mental illness by improving their cognitive performance.

11. Dogs can make us resistant to allergies

According to the study, children who have dogs have a significantly decreased risk (up to 4 times lower) of developing additional allergies.

12. Dog owners live longer lives

In a study including over 3.4 million people, researchers came to the conclusion that owning a dog lowered the risk of dying by 33%.