How Dogs Keep You Healthy

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How Dogs Keep You Healthy Published by Alpha Dog Training (801) 910-1700 Dogs, often hailed as humans’ best friends, have been the topic of many scientific studies looking into how they might boost our well-being. We’ll explain how your friendly pup can benefit your health across the board. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), an estimated 78 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States. It is unclear when dogs were first domesticated, but a study published last year claims that, at least in Europe, dogs were tamed 20,000–40,000 years ago. It is likely that humans and dogs have shared a special bond of friendship and mutual support ever since at least the Neolithic period — but why has this bond been so long-lasting? Of course, these cousins of the wolves have historically been great at keeping us and our dwellings safe, guarding our houses, our cattle, and our various material goods. Throughout history, humans have also trained dogs to assist them with hunting, or they have bred numerous quirky-looking species for their cuteness or elegance. However, dogs are also — and might have always been — truly valued companions, famed for their loyalty and seemingly constant willingness to put a smile on their owners’ faces. How dogs keep you in good health Many studies have suggested that having dogs as pets is associated with better health. Dogs ‘force’ their owners to take daily exercise. A study that showed that owning a dog reduces a person’s risk of premature death by up to a third. Also, researchers suggest that dog owners have a lower risk of heart disease. Why is that? It is difficult to establish a causal relationship between owning a dog and enjoying better health. However, the benefits may appear thanks to a series of factors related to lifestyle adjustments that people tend to make after they decide to adopt a canine friend. The most prominent such lifestyle factor is physical activity. There is no way around it: if you own a dog, you have to commit to twice daily walks — and sometimes even more. Happy dog owning!