4 Health Benefits of Owning A Dog

I’ve had pets my entire life. I’ve had everything from pet sheep, pet donkeys, and pet rabbits. We’ve also had traditional pets like our dogs and cats. Owning a pet is a big responsibility. They require food, love, attention and medical care.  They can be costly and it’s heartbreaking when we lose a pet. But, the benefits of owning a pet are so much more rewarding than the responsibilities. Want to know more? Check out these 4 Health Benefits of Owning a Dog.

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This is a partnered post with Purina but all opinions are my own.

4 Health Benefits of Owning a Dog: 

1. Owning a Dog Makes You More Social. There’s a reason for the stereotype of the guy taking his dog to the park. They’re great ways to begin a conversation. People will ask questions about your dog. What kind is it? How Old is It? Sometimes they will stop to tell you how cute it is or ask to pet it. It’s a great way to break the ice. Want to connect to people on social media or online? Share pictures of your dog. You’ll meet lots of like minded people!
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2. Owning a Dog Could Help Lower Blood Pressure. It’s a scientific fact! According to the Harvard School of Medicine, dogs probably have a calming effect on people, helping to reduce stress. The next time you feel stressed spend time petting your dog and talking to him. You’ll both feel better!

3. Owning a Dog Can Help You Get More Exercise. Dogs are active animals who love to be walked. That means someone has to walk them! According to a study at Michigan State University, dog owners are 34 percent more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking per week than non-dog owners. Who hasn’t seen a pet owner playing fetch or frisbee with their pup? It’s great exercise and fun for both.

Minnie and Max are thankful for treats.
Minnie and Max are thankful for treats.

4. Owning a Dog Can Help Reduce Allergies. According to a study by the University of Virginia, children who grew up in a household with 2 or more dogs (or cats) were 77% less likely to develop allergies to them later in life. The study did suggest that children needed to be introduced to pets before they were six months old for this to work.

If you own a dog, let people know how thankful you are to have your pet with this fun program from Purina.
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Here’s how to participate:
Share a picture of your dog  and how you thank their pet on social media through videos, photos or posts. For every original post submitted through November 27 that includes @Purina and the hashtag, #DogThanking, Purina will donate one dollar to the Canine Health Foundation – up to $50,000 – to help further pet health research.  It’s a great way to interact with fellow pet lovers and help a good cause!

*Submitted videos, photos and posts may be shown during the 15th National Dog Show Presented by Purina, on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24 at noon in all time zones) on NBC.
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Do you have a pet? Why are you thankful for your dog or other pet?

42 Comments

  1. we don’t have a dog but I want to have one soon.

  2. I concur 100% I have had dogs since I was a child and love them and cats too

  3. I think dogs are so good for us! They are a comfort and a mood lifter for most people. Life with a dog is extra good!

  4. I feel that I benefit every day from my dogs. I couldn’t imagine not having a pet in my life.

  5. Aren’t dogs the best?! I love them! These pictures are so cute too! They make for such a great family member : )

  6. Aww! Your dogs are too cute, I can’t imagine a life without my four legged sidekicks!

  7. Dogs can bring out the best in a lot of ways. I know that I could not imagine a day without mine.

  8. How adorable these photos are. I love that last one. We have two dogs and they basically grew up with our kids.

  9. So thankful for our two pups. They bring so much life to our home!

  10. I love dogs but do not have one at the moment. We do have 2 cats though and I am thankful for their loyalty and love.

  11. I wish i could of gave my mom this list when I was young. I never had a good and these are really great reasons to have one!

  12. I know my Great Dane goes a long way to helping lower my blood pressure. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t cuddle my puppy after a stressful day.

  13. If we did not rent, we would have a dog. I think they are great for your health!

  14. It can lower your blood pressure or increase it at times, ahhahaha I always loved having dogs when I was growing up.

  15. Pets make such great company. I never feel alone with my two cats here. Dogs can be a great way to get exercise.

  16. I really like your list.
    And being a dog owner (my husband and I also owned dogs when we were children), I can ascertain at least some of the items are true.
    It is good to know it is such a mutually-beneficially relationship owning a dog.

  17. My dog is truly my best friend. When I am sad or upset, he is there to cheer me up.

  18. I own three dogs and let me tell you – they help my all around well being! They are amazing and I BELIEVE every word of this post. So true.

  19. These are all so true! Owning a dog has a lot of benefits! I have dog and I love her so much!!

  20. Owning a dog is like you are taking care of a human.. It’s just not dog is our bestfriend but they are the one who can also protect us from the strangers..

  21. It’s really going to be good for you and your family to own a dog, I know because I’ve experienced these health benefits first hand! Aside from the happiness that the dog brings, you’re also going to be more active!

  22. Owning a dog is simply amazing! The kids enjoy our dog’s company very much and it has made them more active. There’s no denying these health benefits!

  23. I can’t imagine not having a dog. We have 3 right now and they are a huge part of our lives. I love how Purina is giving back through this social campaign!

  24. Our dog Sally has really changed our lives in a wonderful way. She’s a member of the family and brings us such joy. Love this program from Purina!

  25. My dogs literally give me life! They are the greatest source of unconditional love aNd I truly believe the simple act of petting them lowers my blood pressure!

  26. We have multiple dogs and they make everything better. My girls love having them all around.

  27. Many of these are true. I know my son really misses our dog.

  28. These are great reasons for owning a dog. We’ll get one someday. For now, we’re a cat family.

  29. I definitely feel as if my dog helps to make my life better. He is always good for non-judgmental cuddles to help lift my spirits too..

  30. I have owned my first dog for 3 years and I and loving every moment of it. I get it excited when he is happy and it gives you a sense of purpose because you know you got a someone depending on you.

  31. I love the benefits for the whole family. It is amazing how much of a difference a pet can make in the life of a family.

  32. I didn’t know there were so many health benefits to having a dog. Unfortunately I am allergic to just about every animal with fur.

  33. I do have a dog in my current apartment as no pets allowed but looking forward to getting one once I move into my own place

  34. I couldn’t imagine not having a dog now – she really does help me so much when it comes to my health in so many ways. x

  35. Owning a dog is such a healthy thing! We are very close to getting a puppy. My girls have been asking for a dog for so long. I think we will surprise them soon!

  36. My dad has recently gotten a dog and I can see that it’s benefited him greatly. He’s much more active than he used to be and seems so much happier too.

  37. There’s nothing better than owning a dog – or any sort of pet, fore that matter. They’re almost like fuzzy magic.

  38. My dog sure does help me get out more and socialize and exercise. She really loves to go on walks with me!

  39. I love being a dog owner!! It’s the best thing ever and I think everyone should own a pet of some kind!!

  40. I was just hanging the stocking for my dog, Max, yesterday and was thinking about all the joy he has brought to our family. He loves me, but he really loves the boys and he keeps us all laughing.

  41. We just got another dog and I’m so excited about it. I am a huge dog person if it was up to me I think I would have a whole farm with a bunch of dogs and other animals.

  42. Awww so adorable! As a dog person, I completely and wholeheartedly agree with all that you wrote here. I miss having a dog. Hopefully soon we could adopt one 🙂