The Hairy Adventures

Source: nakedhealth

Dog people vs. cat people: the rivalry can be as contentious as that of opposing sports teams. Whichever animal you prefer, having a pet is good for your health, according to the CDC and the National Institutes of Health.

Studies show that even a goldfish will lower your stress levels and improve your mood, but the more complex the animal, the greater the benefits. A pet like a cat is a good companion, supremely cuddly, and also useful for creating hilarious Internet photos. But, if you want to reap maximum health effects, a dog is the gold standard. A dog around the house can be as effective as medication for certain conditions.

Depressed? Get a Dog

Though owning a creature that can, and probably will, poop on your floor at some point doesn’t seem like a stress-relieving proposition, pets do lower stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, researchers have found that pet owners performing a stressful task perceive it as less challenging than non-pet-owners. Dogs, in particular, also reduce feelings of loneliness, which contributes to the lower incidence of depression among study participants. Dogs provide unconditional love and physical affection, which has been shown to improve their owners’ outlook and mood. Dogs even provide a natural endorphin release when their people are with them.

Muffintop? Get a Dog

Dog owners are less likely to be obese, largely because they get more pet-related exercise than non-dog-owners. Dogs, especially in urban areas, must be walked, and their owners benefit from regularly taking Rover for a stroll around the block. Unlike the excuses you find for skipping the gym, your hound’s big brown eyes and pleading whine is guaranteed to get you off the couch and out the door. If he’s the type to pull on the leash, you’ll burn even more calories trying to keep him under control. Playing a game of rope-tug or Frisbee with your dog will also keep you active, which gives your health a boost.

Sick? Get a Dog

A study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found lower levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides among dog owners than cat owners, though all pet owners were healthier than those without pets. It is likely due to those regular walks, but dog owners edged out cat and other pet owners in overall health and fewer medical problems, both minor and serious. The act of stroking a dog lowers blood pressure as much as medication in some people, and the benefits last even when dog-owners are away from their pooches.

Can’t Get a Date? Get a Dog

Dog owners enjoy more social interaction and support than non-owners. Dogs themselves are highly social creatures and having your Great Dane drag you down the block to sniff the butt of that cute Yorkie means you’re going to have to at least smile at the Yorkie’s human. Dog parks, walking paths, and shopping for squeaky toys all give dog-owners opportunity and incentive to be social. Dog people also have an endless source of conversational topics, which prevents those dreaded awkward silences.

Want to Live Longer? Get a Dog

Given the health benefits of dog ownership in virtually every aspect of a person’s life, it’s no surprise that dog owners live longer. Not only do lower stress, greater happiness, and better health help keep dog owners from developing major diseases, but studies show that dog owners enjoy higher survival rates after major illnesses—as much as twice the rate for the year following a heart attack. The health effect is so pronounced, it is on par with smoking vs. not smoking. Even supportive friends and family members don’t provide the same health benefits as owning a dog.

If you just aren’t a dog person, a cat will still benefit your health. Caring for, petting, and interacting with an animal is as good for you as your daily multivitamin. But the benefit-to-work ratio means that, even as you grumble about the sandwich that disappeared off the kitchen counter, the chewed up shoes, and the hair stuck to your favorite black pants, you know that the wretched beast is not just your best friend, but the key to health and happiness. Now, get out there and walk him before he has an accident on the floor.