19 Pawsome reasons to bless yourself with a tailwagger!

As a child, I was scared of dogs and there was no reason why. Married into a dog-loving family, I still could not bring myself to love dogs, until Rocky came into our lives. Rocky was put up for adoption by one of my friends and since my hubby and my son wanted to have a dog, I gave into their demands. But, my fear of dogs continued until Rocky, himself, made his way into my heart and life…forever. Now, he is one of the most cherished member of the family and the apple of our eyes.

Dogs are adorable, they bring so much joy and happiness…besides other benefits. Here are 19 reasons to bring home a pooch:

1. Companionship:

Dogs are wonderful companions. In nuclear families, often a family member has to stay alone. During these times, dogs are excellent companions. After my son went to hostel for his studies, I was scared to be left alone. But, Rocky has given me the required companionship and support when I felt lonely.

2. You’ll always be welcomed home with love:

You’ll often hear pet parents say that the best part of their day is returning home to be greeted by their furry companions. Having a pet means having a loyal companion who loves you just as much as you love them, if not more! Get set to be welcomed in a grand manner every time you return home, even if you step out only for 30 minutes!

3. Keeps you active:

Dogs can be great motivators for staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as they require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Going for walks, runs, or playtime in the park helps both the dog and the pet parent get their daily dose of physical activity.

4. Teaches you the importance of routine and discipline:

When you have a dog at home, you need to have a daily routine that includes their regular walks and exercise. This routine can help pet parents stay committed to their own exercise routine as well.

5. Helps you stay fit:

Regular exercise with your dog can help with weight management, both for the dog and the pet parent.

6. Makes you more social:

Often, when we take our dogs out for a walk, we get to meet people and their dogs too. Sometimes, children just stop to say hello to your dog. Thus, you get more opportunities to interact with people around, leading to a more active and socially engaging lifestyle.

7. Mental health benefits:

Spending time with dogs has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can positively impact overall mental health. Interacting with dogs has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Spending time playing, petting, or cuddling with a dog can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of relaxation and bonding. Dogs can bring joy and excitement to people’s lives, providing surprises and unconditional love that can brighten even the most challenging days.

8. Improved cardiovascular health:

Activities like walking or running with your dog can improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk of heart-related issues.

9. Better mood and happiness:

The companionship and joy that dogs bring into our lives can elevate our mood and promote a sense of happiness and well-being.

10. Makes you more responsible:

Once you have a dog at home, you become their sole caregiver. You are responsible for their well-being, their daily activities, food, vet visits, et al – all this makes you more responsible.

11. Empathy and emotional support:

Dogs have an innate ability to sense their owners’ emotions and can often pick up on cues when their pet parents are feeling down or stressed. They are highly empathetic and can offer comfort and emotional support during difficult times. Their presence alone can help reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of companionship.

12. Therapeutic benefits:

Dogs are widely used as therapy pets due to their ability to provide emotional support and comfort. They are often found in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings where their presence can have a positive impact on people’s well-being.

13. Unwavering loyalty:

Dogs are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners. Knowing that you have a faithful and devoted companion by your side can provide a sense of security and reassurance.

14. Teachings of mindfulness:

Dogs live in the present moment and teach us to do the same. Interacting with them can help us practice mindfulness, focusing on the here and now and letting go of worries about the past or future. Overall, dogs can bring immense joy and happiness into our lives, making them valuable members of our families.

15. Dogs can uplift your mood on not-so-lovely days:

You’ll find a plethora of videos on the internet showcasing how dogs try to comfort their pet parents when they are having a particularly rough day. That’s because dogs are known to pick up on human emotions—whether it is sadness, distress or even happiness. A few doggy kisses and a warm cuddle can instantly brighten a dull day. That’s probably why dogs do so well as therapy pets.

16. Protective companions:

Dogs are protective by nature and can provide a sense of security. Even a small dog is enough to deter potential harm from intruders.

17. Allergy reduction:

Contrary to common belief, exposing oneself to dog dander regularly may actually reduce the chance of acquiring pet allergies throughout life. Additionally, living with dogs during pregnancy has been linked to a bacterial exchange that can benefit the offspring’s health and reduce the risk of various allergies and health issues.

18. Beneficial for dogs:

Adopting a dog not only enhances the pet parent’s life but also provides a happy, secure, and loving home to the dog himself. The human-canine bond is priceless for both of us!

19. Unconditional love and motivation:

Dogs offer unconditional love and are always eager to spend time with their pet parents. Their enthusiasm can be contagious and encourage their owners to get up and move. Dogs have an unconditional love for their owners. No matter what kind of day you’ve had or how you’re feeling, your dog will always be there to greet you with enthusiasm and affection. Their genuine excitement and happiness to see you can instantly boost your mood and make you feel valued and loved.

It’s important to remember that dog ownership also comes with responsibilities, and it’s essential to ensure that you can provide proper care, attention, and exercise for your furry friend. By doing so, you can create a strong bond with your dog while also enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle.