They understand human behavior and emotions perfectly, and are able to interpret many of the words we use, while they’re even better at making out the tone of our voice, body language, and gestures.
Dogs are also only animals that can look into your eyes and gauge your emotional state and actually figure out what you are thinking and feeling.
Although dog owners know all the joys that come with sharing their lives with pooches, many still remain unaware of all the physical and mental health benefits our pooches bring to our lives.
The Benefits Of The Human-Canine Bond
There are also numerous studies that scientifically explore the benefits of this special human-canine bond. The American Heart Association has linked the ownership of pets, especially dogs, with a reduced risk for heart disease and greater longevity. Need we say more?
So far studies have found the following:
- Dog owners are less likely to be depressed than those without pets.
- Dog owner have lower blood pressure in stressful situations.
- People with borderline hypertension got better and their blood pressure declined significantly within five months after adopting a dog from a shelter.
- Playing with a dog increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, resulting in being more calm and relaxed.
- Dog owners tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, meaning they are at lower risk of developing a heart disease.
Basic Human Need To Touch
According to helpguide.org, one of the main reasons for these therapeutic effects is that “dogs fulfill the basic human need to touch. Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed or anxious.”
And not only that, having a canine friend can also ease loneliness – which is perfect for all those lonely souls out there, especially now for Valentine’s Day.