While any avid owner can gladly expound on the meaning their pets bring into their lives, would-be pet parents can’t always see the rationale in getting a dog. After all, dogs cost money and time, often hampering social plans and seemingly limiting personal freedom. There’s no doubt that they’re cute and deserving of a good home, but is owning a dog a net benefit for their human?
The truth is that for every potential drawback, there are several advantages of owning a dog, many of which people don’t realize until they have a pet in their home. If you’re on the fence about adopting, we’ll help you get off it with these interesting and fun reasons to get a dog.
The 11 Reasons to Get a Dog
1. Dogs May Help Prevent Loneliness
Most dog owners admit that their pets make them feel less lonely, prevent social isolation, and help them connect with others. Some theories suggest dogs serve as attachment figures for children, adults, and seniors, offering vital social support.
2. Dogs Are Good for the Heart (and a Longer Life)
Dogs may contribute to better overall health and even a potentially longer life. Dog ownership can potentially positively impact heart health in several ways, including:
- Preventing obesity
- Lowering blood pressure and hypertension
- Improving HDL and total cholesterol levels
- Reducing bodily responses to stress
Therefore, dog ownership may be associated with a lower long-term risk of death. One study found owning a dog was connected with a 31% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality and a 24% reduction for causes of any kind.1
3. Owning a Dog Can Lower Your Stress
Alongside reduced feelings of depression and loneliness, stress reduction is a consistently reported effect of dog ownership. Owners often state they feel less stress, especially when they sense a strong connection and consider a dog part of the family, making them potentially better for lowering anxiety than other pets.
Studies have even shown the physical signs of stress reduction. Brief owner-dog interactions can promote a lowered heart rate, decreased cortisol, and increased oxytocin levels. Actions like petting can help owners relax, feel happier, enjoy physical benefits, and enhance their bond with their dogs.
4. Dog Owners Become More Active
Dog owners and their kids can benefit physically from the daily walks and playtime sessions their dogs demand. An adult dog owner’s odds of meeting the 150 minutes/week physical activity goal are up to four times higher than non-owners.2
While the degree to which dog ownership can help with physical activity varies by location, it appears that you’ll be more likely to get your steps in when you have a dog, no matter where you live. The increased activity further leads to lower stress, obesity, and disease risk, leading to better mental and physical well-being.
5. Owning a Dog Can Improve Your Sleep
While a dog’s polyphasic sleep patterns may cause some disruptions while sleeping, owning a dog can help many people get a better night’s rest. The increased physical activity and improved health that dog ownership offers may naturally raise the likelihood of better sleep, with some studies suggesting a dog may help owners fall asleep quicker.3
6. Dogs Improve Social Ties and Help Us Make Friends
Dogs don’t only help isolated individuals stave off loneliness; they can enhance their relationships with others. Dogs offer a conversation starter and an immediate connection with other dog owners.
Walking the dog requires owners to get out in the neighborhood, and the physical fitness perks improve energy to socialize. For many owners, having a dog can improve their perceptions of their neighborhood, making them feel safer and more confident in those around them.
7. Owning a Dog Can Improve Your Love Life
Owning a dog may help combat loneliness in more ways than one. If you need help getting a date, adopting a pup could be the perfect solution. Men and women tend to think those who adopt dogs are more attractive and are more likely to view pets in online dating profiles as a turn-on.4
The appeal of having a dog is unique, as cat owners are much less likely to be seen as more attractive because of their pet choice. The difference may be due to the social aspects of owning a dog and the distinctive attachments and dynamics they share with their caregivers.
8. Dog Ownership Improves Self-Esteem
When you feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally, your self-perception is bound to improve. Dog owners generally boast higher self-esteem than people without dogs, including those who only own cats.5 The physical and social benefits and familial bonds unique to dog ownership support a more positive perspective on one’s life.
9. Owning a Dog May Deter Criminals
A dog’s enhanced sense of smell, exceptional hearing, and constant alertness can be highly beneficial in keeping your home safe. Studies find homes with dogs are less susceptible to crime, and many burglars note canine companions as a top deterrent.
You don’t have to have a vicious guard dog to impact your home’s security. The loud bark of a smaller watchdog runs the risk of alerting homeowners and neighbors, and many criminals are hesitant to engage dogs of any size.
10. Dog Owners Visit the Doctor Less
Although dogs may come with distinct care costs, they can also indicate savings in other areas. The health benefits potentially associated with ownership may correlate with fewer annual doctor visits for pet parents.
Although other factors may be at play, dog ownership’s undeniable physical and mental benefits are easily connected to better well-being and a lower need to check in with the doctor.
11. Owning a Dog Promotes a Routine (and Better Health)
Keeping a consistent daily routine isn’t always easy, but being responsible for others is sometimes more motivating than being responsible for oneself. Dogs thrive on the predictability of consistent daily schedules, giving owners a reason to get organized. Meanwhile, you can enjoy direct benefits with the added structure in your life.
When you maintain a strict walking, feeding, and play schedule for your dog, you have a better shot at managing the rest of your day around those aspects. Activities like shopping, sleeping, eating, and exercise fill out the rest of your routine. You’ll find yourself stressing less and developing better habits in no time.
Finding the Best Dog For You
The numerous health and social perks of dog ownership aren’t necessarily a certainty. A fulfilling relationship and maximum benefits are only possible with a dog that suits your lifestyle, budget, and living situation.
The following are some of the focal considerations to help you determine which dog will offer the best fit and most enjoyable ownership experience:
- Size: Larger dogs are often gentle with children and make quality guard dogs, while smaller dogs are less expensive to own and more adaptable to different living situations, such as apartments
- Hypoallergenicity: Some dogs shed less than others (with some being almost shed-free), allowing for less household cleanup and more allergy-friendliness
- Activity Levels: Many medium and large breeds are more physically capable of joining you for hikes, jogs, sports, and other activities, and others are low-energy and content to lounge in the house
- Sociability: Some dogs love kids, strangers, and other animals, while others are more reserved, have a high prey drive, or a higher chance of dog aggression
- Schedule: Many dog breeds are more prone to separation anxiety when owners go to work or spend extended time away from home
- Property: Active dogs often need a dedicated outdoor space (i.e., fenced-in yard) for daily exercise
Conclusion
Whether you want a safer home, better relationships, or a healthier body, a dog can be your ticket to countless life goals. While it isn’t a decision to make lightly (it’s a dog’s life on the line, after all), the pros of ownership almost always outweigh the cons.
Setting all the personal benefits aside, the simple satisfaction you’ll enjoy from giving a dog the quality of life they deserve can make the experience worthwhile for anyone.
Featured Image Credit: Lim Tiaw Leong, Shutterstock