Having a dog as a pet has had a life changing effect upon many of us. They can be our best friends and the best companion during the happiest and even the gloomiest of times. They have unquestionable loyalty and they love you with all their heart.
Apart from keeping you in a good mood, they also help you in staying healthy. Let us find out how.
Health Benefits of Having a Dog
Dogs are known to have a positive impact on both our mental and physical well being. On one hand, playing with them can foster the feelings of love and compassion within us and on the other hand, taking them for a daily walk can help us in staying fit and active. We have discussed in detail below the benefits of having a dog as a pet-
Help us in lowering cholesterol-According to research, a dog owner will have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than a non- dog owner. Low levels of cholesterol can help you in avoiding obesity and it also has a good impact upon our mental health. The right weight will also aid in aggravating your existing diabetic condition.
Help us in relieving anxiety-Spending time with your dog increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin which in turn helps in relieving stress and anxiety. These are two important neurochemicals that help in producing a feeling of calmness within us. It also leaves you less prone to depression. Reduced stress levels also leads to reduced sugar levels.
Physical exercise-They give us an increased opportunity to go out,exerciseand even socialise. Taking them out for a walk will not only help you in losing weight, but it will also help you in maintaining your sugar levels.
Help us in lowering blood pressure-As dogs help you in staying calm, they also lead to lowering of your blood pressure. They help you in easing tension both at home and at your workplace.
Good for Cardiac patients-Having a dog can also improve your overall cardiovascular health and will prevent cardiac arrests. Dog owners are also proven to have a better chance of survival post a heart attack.
Help us in socialising-A dog owner connects well with a fellow dog owner. It generates a feeling of harmony and compassion within us. They lead to more conversations in the park and help you in keeping a joyful mood throughout the day.
It is rightly said that the best therapist has fur and four legs. Pets hold a special place in all our hearts and their humanising effect upon us. It is said that they wag their tails with all their heart and make us forget all our troubles for a while.
On one hand, dogs help in lowering cholesterol, stress, and chances of cardiac diseases, on the other hand, they also help us in staying active and healthy. All of these factors combined, have a positive impact upon our sugar levels. It is essential for a diabetic patient to keep both his stress levels and sugar levels in control.