How Dogs Make Humans Happy and Healthy
The symbiotic relationship between dogs and humans has been evolving for over 15,000 years. What may have started out as a working relationship between dogs and hunter-gatherers has transformed into a human-animal bond on a very personal level.
Science backs up the theory that dogs have a significantly beneficial impact on the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of humans. However, the relationship is also a two-way street! Dog owners also play their part in catering to the emotional and physical needs of their canine companions.
Here's a look at how dogs and humans keep each other happy and healthy.
Dogs Keep Us Active
A 2019 study in the journal Scientific Reports finds that dog owners are four times more likely to meet weekly exercise guidelines than people who don't own a dog. Dog owners are simply more active. We’re all aware that exercise plays a significant role in improving physical health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also has a positive impact on mental health. During exercise, the body releases endorphins, which interact with your brain receptors to reduce the perception of pain and also trigger a positive feeling in the body. In addition to the physiological medical benefits, regular exercise can therefore help reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, boost self-esteem and improve sleep.
Constant Companionship: Dogs Keep Loneliness at Bay
Having the constant companionship of a dog can reduce feelings of loneliness and keep the owner healthier. Loneliness is more deleterious than some people may think and can have significant impacts on both mental and physical wellbeing. Loneliness can lead to psychiatric disorders such as depression and a range of personality disorders and increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It can also play a role in the manifestation of physical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and hypertension.
Dogs Make Us More Social
Another study published in Plos One in 2015 shows that pet owners are 60% more likely to get to know people from around their neighborhood than those without pets. It's easier to form a connection with people when you have something in common, and in this case, dogs are the common denominators. For some people, socializing comes easily. For others, it's harder to put themselves out there and interact with the people around them. People with social anxiety can find it extremely difficult to engage with strangers, but small talk at the dog park comes easier when there is a dog who can act as a sort of social buffer and a starting point for conversation.
Dogs Give Us a Sense of Purpose
Our dogs rely on us for all their needs. We are their primary caregivers, responsible for their food, shelter, development and medical care. People suffering from anxiety, depression or isolation often deal with the comorbid symptoms of a lack of motivation and purpose, but the need to care for another living being can act as a strong buffer against these unhealthy patterns. Dogs provide us with a routine and a consistent sense of purpose – and those wagging tails and derpy smiles give us real-time validation that we’re fulfilling our duty.
Dogs Help to Reduce Stress
Interacting with a dog — petting, cuddling, or playing with them, for example — can help to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. At the same time, it increases levels of the hormone oxytocin (aka the love hormone), which helps to reduce stress. A little bit of playtime can go a long way in helping you bond with your dog, making everyone involved happy.
How Testing Your Dog's DNA Can Help Keep Them Healthy and Happy
Considering how much dogs do to keep us happy and healthy, it's only right that we do our part to ensure they get the best care in return. Dog DNA tests can be a helpful part of your dog’s care routine. By knowing more about your dog's genetic makeup, health markers and behavior patterns, you can customize their healthcare regimen to ensure an optimal life.
If you own a mixed-breed dog of unknown origins, it is nearly impossible to know exactly which breed-specific genetic diseases they may be predisposed to. A dog DNA test can help identify the breeds in your dog's lineage. Most tests also screen for genetic diseases and will indicate whether your dog is a carrier for any of these. If you know which medical conditions your dog may be prone to, you can use that information to shape their care plan to possibly prevent the onset of those conditions.
Another benefit of knowing your dog's breed composition breakdown is that you can learn more about the behavioral traits of each breed. This will help you understand what makes them tick, and ultimately what they need from you to help them thrive and be happy.
