Table of contents:
- The benefits of keeping a dog at home
- 1. Improve heart health
- 2. Improve mental health
- 3. Reducing the risk of allergies
- 4. Helps lose weight
- 5. Keeping fit and active in old age
Most people are reluctant to have pets at home such as dogs or cats for various reasons. For example, lazy to take care of it or afraid of the risk of diseases such as allergies. In fact, besides being an entertainer in times of stress, having a pet at home can also provide a variety of health benefits that you may not have thought about before. So, what are the benefits of raising a dog at home? Find out the answer in this article.
The benefits of keeping a dog at home
1. Improve heart health
Research shows that keeping dogs at home is associated with lowered blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels, all of which contribute to overall heart and blood vessel health.
Not only that, heart attack patients who raise dogs are also known to have a better quality of life than those who do not have dogs in their homes.
2. Improve mental health
According to a study published in 2011, people who have pets at home are found to be happier, healthier and feel better than those who don't.
The reason is, spending a few minutes playing with pets can increase the production of the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood. Even the effects of these activities are the same as when hugging a partner, seeing beautiful scenery, and so on.
3. Reducing the risk of allergies
Most people are reluctant to keep furry animals at home for fear of the risk of allergies they cause. However, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children raised by parents who have pets such as cats and dogs at home tend to be at a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma.
Children who were always around two or more dogs or cats when they were babies are known to be less likely to develop common allergies due to early exposure to certain bacteria. The reason is, this makes the immune system stronger against allergens.
4. Helps lose weight
Studies have repeatedly found that walking the dog every day can help you lose weight. This is because it will force you to do at least 10, 20, or even 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.
If you are one of those people who regularly walks your pet, consider increasing your outing time for longer and at a faster walking speed.
5. Keeping fit and active in old age
A study published in the Journal of Gerontologist found that people over the age of 60 and who have a dog at home tend to have an ideal body weight, avoid obesity problems and visit the doctor less frequently because of illness.
Not only that, for seniors aged 60 years and over, raising dogs can actually decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Well, this will certainly help overcome the loneliness or depression that many elderly people feel.
