The Health Benefits of Owning a Dog
The companionship between a dog and its owner can provide numerous mental, physical, and spiritual health benefits. Past literature has shown that dog owners are less likely to be depressed than their non-dog owning counterparts. A possible explanation for this notion is that the calming presence of a dog results in an increased production of serotonin and dopamine, two hormones that are critical for emotional regulation. Consequently, dog owners may experience lower levels of anxiety, stress, and feelings of sadness. Dogs have certainly earned the title of a man’s best friend, as research shows that petting them releases a third hormone called oxytocin, which is responsible for building trust. Oxytocin has mutual benefits on mental and physical health, as it not only creates a bonding experience, but it also reduces blood pressure and strengthens immunity.
Furthermore, through dog walks and play sessions, dog owners can physically benefit from frequent exercise, which reduces the risk for heart disease and other illnesses. Individuals who walk their dogs regularly may also naturally engage in more social interactions with neighbors and other dog walkers, which enables more opportunities to create new and fulfilling relationships. The immense dedication required to care for a dog, coupled with an improved self that ensues from this partnership, may even instill a deeper or newfound sense of purpose.
Furthermore, through dog walks and play sessions, dog owners can physically benefit from frequent exercise, which reduces the risk for heart disease and other illnesses. Individuals who walk their dogs regularly may also naturally engage in more social interactions with neighbors and other dog walkers, which enables more opportunities to create new and fulfilling relationships. The immense dedication required to care for a dog, coupled with an improved self that ensues from this partnership, may even instill a deeper or newfound sense of purpose.
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The physical and mental health benefits associated with dog ownership are widely established throughout the scientific community. For instance, in a study done in 2019 at the University of Massachusetts, researchers showed the relationship between dog ownership and physical and psychosocial well-being. The experiment consisted of 11 participants who simulated dog ownership by fostering a rescue dog for six weeks. The results showed a correlation between dog ownership and improved well-being, such that owning a dog contributed to higher levels of exercise and emotional fulfillment. Around half of the participants engaged in more physical activity and approximately 75% experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms during the post-foster period. Furthermore, a majority of the participants reported conversing with at least one stranger as a result of their foster hound, indicating an increase in interpersonal functioning. Taking these results into account, the study concluded that owning a dog may in fact improve overall health.
Provided that many physicians are already normalizing dog adoption as an alternative treatment for certain conditions, this study should inform future health and welfare policies to make dog ownership more accessible. In circumstances where traditional medical methods fail and dog ownership could be effective, people should not be legally prevented from congregating in public areas or sharing a home without them. For instance, individuals who have been advised to adopt a dog for medical reasons should be permitted to live with them in apartments and other co-living residences, whenever possible. Given the multitude of health benefits of living with a dog, no individual should be barred from experiencing the treasured solidarity between a dog and its owner.
Provided that many physicians are already normalizing dog adoption as an alternative treatment for certain conditions, this study should inform future health and welfare policies to make dog ownership more accessible. In circumstances where traditional medical methods fail and dog ownership could be effective, people should not be legally prevented from congregating in public areas or sharing a home without them. For instance, individuals who have been advised to adopt a dog for medical reasons should be permitted to live with them in apartments and other co-living residences, whenever possible. Given the multitude of health benefits of living with a dog, no individual should be barred from experiencing the treasured solidarity between a dog and its owner.
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