June 17, 2024 from Medscape
Owning a dog is often associated with companionship and joy, but did you know it also offers numerous health benefits? From physical fitness to mental well-being, dog ownership can significantly enhance your overall health.
Physical Health Benefits
Regular physical exercise is crucial for preventing various health issues, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Despite this, less than one-third of individuals meet the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. However, dog owners are four times more likely to achieve these guidelines compared to non-dog owners. This is primarily because dog owners need to walk their pets, a factor strongly linked to lower CVD risk and mortality.
Owning a dog also positively influences blood pressure (BP). Studies show that dog owners have lower average BP values and a reduced risk of hypertension. Additionally, dog owners who have experienced a myocardial infarction have a significantly lower probability of dying within a year compared to non-dog owners.
Psychological Benefits
The psychological effects of owning a dog are profound. Dogs can reduce stress and improve mood and emotional state. This is particularly beneficial for single individuals, women, children, and older adults experiencing significant life changes such as the loss of a spouse or divorce.
Service dogs also play a crucial role in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When combined with conventional treatments like psychotherapy and medication, service dogs significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and depression, while increasing social participation.
Social and Emotional Connections
In many households, dogs are considered family members. The bond between an owner and their dog can be as strong as the bond between a parent and child. This relationship is marked by behavioral and neuroendocrine similarities, particularly in levels of oxytocin and cortisol, which are associated with stress and interaction styles.
Brain Activity and Interaction
Research into the brain activity mechanisms related to human-animal interaction is ongoing. Studies using EEG have shown that interacting with a dog increases alpha power spectra, indicating relaxation, and brain rest state. Activities like feeding, massaging, and hugging a dog are associated with positive moods and lower stress levels.
Important Considerations
While owning a dog has numerous health benefits, it also requires a long-term commitment. Dogs can live for 10-15 years, and their owners need to plan for their care as they age. The loss of a dog can also be as emotionally challenging as losing a family member.
Recommending dog ownership can lead to significant health benefits, including increased physical activity, better cardiovascular health, and improved mental well-being. Understanding these benefits can help individuals and healthcare providers appreciate the value of canine companionship in promoting a healthier lifestyle.
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