Fitter, happier, more productive... If you want to be all that and more, get a dog.
A friend indeed
There's a reason dogs have long been called a man's best friend. Their loyalty, intelligence, devotion and affection are incredibly rewarding. From taking a long walk together on a beautiful spring morning, being greeted by a happily wagging tail at the end of a long day to relaxing at home in each other's company, owning a dog can raise spirits and engender a sense of wellbeing like almost nothing else.
And of course for all the love you put in, a dog will give you it back tenfold.
Recent studies show that those of us who own a pet are usually healthier and happier in our lives than those who don't - and dog owners are particularly privileged.
Regular dog-walking improves fitness levels.
Why owning a dog is good for you
- Regular dog-walking improves fitness levels.
- Dog-walking increases social interaction - many people become friends with the fellow dog owners they regularly meet.
- Walks help to forget the stresses and strains of everyday life, providing an opportunity to can get away from it all and spend some time with a faithful companion.
- Dogs provide us with a sense of emotional wellbeing thanks to the unconditional love they give us.
- Dog owners generally have a more robust immune system, helping them stave off illnesses.
- Dog ownership helps people to recover from personal trauma, such as bereavement.
- Dog owners generally have reduced blood pressure compared with non-dog owners.
- Patting a dog lowers your blood pressure, therefore lowering your chances of cardiovascular disease.
- Dog owners often recover faster from illnesses and have a higher survival rate after a heart attack.
- Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own pets often have better self esteem.
Above all, dogs are great fun. They can make you laugh, even if you've had a terrible day, and they're always there for a reassuring hug when you need it. A dog's primary wish in life is to make you, its owner, happy. How noble - and cool - is that?