3 Health Benefits to Owning a Dog

having-a-dogFor the most part, getting a canine usually is because they feel the need for a companion at home.

And just it isn’t obvious by now, spending time with them doesn’t fulfil that need for companionship but also improves one’s health greatly too.

Having said that, here are 3 health benefits to owning a dog:

#1: Reduces the Risk for Allergy

While there are people who are allergic in the presence of dogs, there are certain situations in which they can reduce allergies for growing kids. In fact, this effect is so pronounced that pregnant women can reduce the likelihood of their unborn child getting an allergy. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that exposure to dogs at the time of birth can greatly increase a child’s immune development as well as reduce the probability of certain allergic diseases.

#2: Reduces Stress Levels at Work

Dogs not only bring comfort to your home but they can prove to be a boon at the workplace as well since it will make you more productive. In a study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, it was found that dogs in the workplace can reduce stress and make work more satisfying compared to non-dog owners. This was particularly true when the dogs were physically present with the owners at work.

#3: Prevent or Eliminate Depression

Studies, and in particular, one from the University of Portsmouth, have shown that those who own a pet can prevent or eliminate depression or loneliness. Given that they had to walk their dogs every day, this got them in touch other dog walkers and it made them feel instantly happier. In fact, when they were feeling low, going for a walk with their dog made them feel much better.