Dogs are a man’s best friend. For those who have never owned a dog, it might not be quite so obvious as to why this is – after all don’t they just slobber everywhere, mess up your house and need feeding and walking all the time?
There are a huge number of benefits to owning a dog, both physically and mentally. There are some very obvious ways in which they enrich your life, such as the fact that they bring a huge amount of companionship and give you a great reason to improve fitness when you exercise them. However, there are also some more obscure benefits for all the family.
Children who have been brought up with a dog are far less likely to suffer from allergies and are even just more likely to have better self-esteem. Those with a dog are also likely to recover more quickly from illnesses, whilst the act of simply stroking an animal can greatly lower blood pressure and in term the risk of certain illnesses.
People who own a dog tend to be happier people too, and this is not just because they love animals. Playing with a dog can raise levels of dopamine and serotonin, natural feel good chemicals in the brain.
There are numerous other benefits, from improved security in the home to improved social skills and an elevated ability to deal with responsibility. However, it is also worth remembering that the happier your dog is, the happier you are likely to be. If they don’t get enough exercise or the right dog nutrition, they are likely to be far less likely to give you a mental and physical boost and therefore it is always worth ensuring that you buy quality pet supplies, both in terms of food and toys, to keep your pup as happy as possible.