the benefits of having a dog
Dogs have more benefits than just being a furry friend. Of course it is so nice to come home to someone who gets so excited simply by your presence, curls up on your lap when you are having a bad day, and loves you unconditionally without expecting anything in return (Parent). But, it has been scientifically proven that dogs have an impact on both our mental and physical states.
Many dogs have been trained as therapy dogs. During finals week of first semester, Emory brought in therapy dogs from CanineAssistants to help students de-stress. “Scientific studies do show that canine interaction increases a human's level of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces anxiety and blood pressure. Petting a dog or caring for a pet helps people become less frightened, more secure and diverts their attention away from their own fears or anxieties” (Christensen). Not only do interactions with dogs decrease stress levels, but they also improve memory retention. Thus, taking a ten-minute study break to pet a dog can brighten your mood and help you study. Therapy dogs also help children with autism, hospital patients, and the blind.
Dogs can also increase an individual’s physical activity. Dogs love to be active and be outdoors. If they do not get this experience, their mood is often very different. Dog owners who attain to their dog’s requests of going on walks, running, or playing fetch often improve their physical fitness (Hamrick). These bonding opportunities can improve owners’ well-beings while also strengthening their relationships with their pets.
Having a dog can not only improve your health, but also shape you into a more responsible person. Taking care of a dog requires time and energy. In some regards, the best way to see if you are ready for kids is to get a dog (Schama). Overall, dogs can change our lives.
Many dogs have been trained as therapy dogs. During finals week of first semester, Emory brought in therapy dogs from CanineAssistants to help students de-stress. “Scientific studies do show that canine interaction increases a human's level of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces anxiety and blood pressure. Petting a dog or caring for a pet helps people become less frightened, more secure and diverts their attention away from their own fears or anxieties” (Christensen). Not only do interactions with dogs decrease stress levels, but they also improve memory retention. Thus, taking a ten-minute study break to pet a dog can brighten your mood and help you study. Therapy dogs also help children with autism, hospital patients, and the blind.
Dogs can also increase an individual’s physical activity. Dogs love to be active and be outdoors. If they do not get this experience, their mood is often very different. Dog owners who attain to their dog’s requests of going on walks, running, or playing fetch often improve their physical fitness (Hamrick). These bonding opportunities can improve owners’ well-beings while also strengthening their relationships with their pets.
Having a dog can not only improve your health, but also shape you into a more responsible person. Taking care of a dog requires time and energy. In some regards, the best way to see if you are ready for kids is to get a dog (Schama). Overall, dogs can change our lives.