The Benefits of Having a Dog

There has been a sudden surge in dog adoptions since we’ve been staying home during the coronavirus pandemic. For so many people this downtime frees them up to raise a dog and train it properly. They know the benefits of having a dog outweigh not having one.

I didn’t own a dog until I was 50ish and having Bruno in my life has enriched it more than he will ever know.

Bruno is like having another child and I quickly learned everything I could to be the best parent to my 5th child. We added Bruno, our Lagotto Romagnolo to our family when  I was 51 and we wanted a companion for our daughter Samantha. Because she is still living with us we wanted her to have a companion and also be responsible for taking care of him.

The benefits of having a dog in your life after 50

You have a sense of responsibility as a dog parent

Dogs thrive in a regular routine which can keep us active as caregivers to our dogs. Having a consistent routine keeps your dog happy and calm. They depend on you to feed and walk them every day whether or not you want to. Having to take care of a dog as we get older gives us purpose and more structure in our daily routine.

Companionship

Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression.

 Being around your dog can help you feel less anxious, more safe and help ease feelings of social isolation. As we get older loneliness and social isolation is a very real issue but not to dog parents. Seniors who are dog parents are less likely to be lonely because of their beloved dogs who make them feel loved and wanted.

Health Benefits of having a dog

Having a dog requires us to exercise them on a regular basis based on their energy needs. and they turn out to be your walking buddy. Dog owners enjoy numerous health and social benefits by walking their dogs a few times a week. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress. Did you know that having a dog is good for heart health? Studies show that having a dog is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels. Which, contribute to better overall heart health. I wrote an article about menopause and heart disease.

However, you need to take into consideration if you are capable of exercising a larger high energy dog or a smaller dog. Before owning a dog read about the breed or ask the shelter about the dog you’re about to adopt.

Dogs can reduce Stress

Studies have shown people with dogs, sleep better, do not suffer from depression, weigh less, and have a lower blood pressure than dogless peers. Just petting your dog every day will lower your blood pressure and decrease stress.

Caring for a dog helps relieve symptoms of depression and encourages people to be more positive.

Dogs make us laugh more because they think they are the center of our universe.  When our dogs do something cute we reward them with hugs, kisses or treats. Dogs respond to our affection and will continue to make our days brighter.

Just having Bruno sitting next to me no matter where I am or what mood I’m in makes my day better.

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