As I was chilling out last night in front of the TV Charlie my Border Collie X was snuggled into me. It’s pretty cold in my house right now (yes I live it sub tropical Brisbane!) but having that 4 legged animal close to me helped me to feel warm and safe. You see there is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog and there are many benefits associated with that connection you feel to your furry friend.

Interacting with your dog each day has a tremendous number of health benefits, often more effective than popping pills or going to the Doctor.

The top 5 Key Benefits of Dog Ownership are:

  1. Interacting (running, playing or walking) with you four legged friend lowers your blood pressure and may help reduce heart disease.
  2. I am often amazed about how better I feel when Charlie is lying next to me, there is no doubt that dogs can lift your mood.
  3. Watch your anxiety drop as you connect with your animal; a cuddle, a pat or just watching that tail wagging can have you feeling calmer.
  4. The stress hormone cortisol is lowered and a rise in serotonin when your dog is around you enabling you to feel a greater sense of wellbeing.
  5. Recent research has shown that when you have a dog that has a special place in your heart it leads to greater empathy towards both animals and humans. The same study also shows that kids who grow up with a dog often have an easier time communicating in later life.

So next time I look into Charlie’s eyes and see that adoration; that excitement when I walk in the door, I know that I am the one to benefit. To quote Josh Billing “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

He certainly gets me moving, keeps me grounded and calm and even when there is chaos all around I know that he is always there for me, and that’s worth its weight in gold.

So if you have a dog isn’t it nice to know that there are some added benefits which I know you already know and if you are thinking about getting a dog, consider the lost dogs home or RSPCA and give a home to a poor canine that has been neglected or abandoned.

Elaine