Our dogs are our companions, another piece of our family. In my family, my dog gets treated like a prince. My mom buys him alllll different kinds of bones and, in my opinion, spoils him with an abundance of treats. I am even guilty of spoiling him on occasion. I let him sleep along side me in my warm bed. Even with his selective hearing and tendency to leave scratch marks on our hardwood floors, my family and I would still go to the ends of the earth for him. But although we think we are doing so much for our dogs by feeding them, bathing them, and playing with them, but the truth is they are helping us just as much.
(Me in the car with my dog, Louie.)
In an article posted by Harvard Health Publishing, they discuss the benefits of dog owner ship.Harvard Health Publishing explains that having a dog is related to a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, they state that dog owners typically have lower blood pressure than non dog owners. This is most likely due to the fact that dogs are one of the best stress relievers and can really improve your mental health. At least for myself, I know this is true. After I come home from school and I am stressed, having my dog run up and greet me makes me happy no matter what. Coming home to or just spending time with an animal that loves you so fiercely, has the ability to completely change your mood or outlook.
Not only are our animals improving our health, but in some cases they are also saving lives. In an article by Huffpost, story of a life saving pit bull is explained. When this pit bull’s owner passed out, he figured out a way to make it okay. He ran to the neighbors house and would not leave them alone until they came to help, and save, his owner. Although it may sound crazy and rare, the truth is that it is more common than we realize or expect. In another news story written by CNN, another pit bull, Zeus, went out of his way to save his loved ones. When one of his loved ones, Oriley (ten), was playing outside, a venomous snake started to make it’s way towards him. Zeus used his body in attempt to smother the snake and as a result was bitten four times by the snake. His strong sense of loyalty and desire to protect his loved ones saved Oriley.
It is easy to say that we do everything for our dogs, because we really do a lot. But we never stop to think about what our animals are doing for us. They protect us, love us unconditionally, and stay by our sides no matter what. They would risk their lives to keep us safe, and many of them do. As much as we do for our dogs or other animals, we can never give to them what they give to us. So take your dog on that walk, he or she deserves at least that.
(This one’s for Louie)
Hey Julia,
I completely agree with you, most of the time we don’t realize how much our dogs are helping our mental health. Just like you, when I come home after a stressful day from school, one of my favorite things to do is to just play with my dog and pet him. In just a matter of a few minutes, I can feel how my body has physically relaxed despite all the stress I’m feeling. There’s never been a time, no matter how upset I’m feeling, where my dog hasn’t been able to put a smile on my face.
I also volunteer at Edwards Hospital, where they have a huge pet therapy program. After discharging and talking with patients, it’s clear to see how much impact they make on the patients stay. Like you mentioned in your article, there is lot’s of scientific proof backing up how impact petting dogs can be and I’m so happy that we have started integrating that into our modern medicine.
Hi Emily, I totally agree! Healthcare is always changing and it is so important that we are now able to integrate things such as dog therapy to help those who are struggling.
You’re dog is adorable! This post was super interesting and I thought the specific stories were a super great addition and you can tell that you are very well versed with this topic. I also loved the nod to pitbulls as I have 2 and I am convinced they are the sweetest dogs ever so this only confirmed it for me. I wasn’t aware of the extent that a dog can have on our lives in regards to emotional and physical health so this post definetely makes me appreciate my pets a lot more. Next time I try to convince my parents to get another dog, I’m for sure going to use this post as a resource about the benfits of dogs that people aren’t as aware of!
Thank you Ellie! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the article and I hope it helps convince your parents!
Hey Julia I loved your post. I have a Golden Retriever myself named Bella and I often times find myself spoiling her. Whether it be from giving her my food or buying her toys I feel like I am always doing things for her. But as you said, I have never thought about what she does for me. Often times I come home to have my day brightened by her smiling face and I do not think anything of it. It is really interesting to me that having a dog can be linked to a decrease in cardiovascular disease. I never would have thought that there could be physical benefits past an increase in happiness. Do you know if similar benefits can come from having pets other than dogs? Also I wonder if similar benefits can come from fun activities that do not include pets.
Hey Michael, thank you! We all are guilty of occasionally taking something for granted, whether it is our pets or something else. Regarding your question about other pets having a positive impact on your health, I found an interesting article about cats and how they also help to improve your health that I will link below! While I am not sure the exact answer to your second question, I would believe that to be true. I think that by doing things you love or just fun things in general, it reduces stress levels and therefore can improve your health.
https://www.goodnet.org/articles/7-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-being-cat-owner