Yes it’s true. Scientists have now proved what every dog owner has always known.
Researchers at Queens University, Belfast found that dog owners had lower cholesterol and blood pressure, fewer minor physical ailments, and were less likely to to develop serious medical problems.
It is believed that dogs directly our wellbeing by buffering us from stress, one of the major risk factors associated with ill health.
I know from experience that when serving as a Police Dog Handler I would often be involved in high stress situations and witness some truly awful sights. When the situations were resolved I would go for a walk with my dog and the stress would just melt away. If the medical world could put that into a pill we could close a lot of psychiatric wards.
Dr. Deborah Wells said “The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contact, which may enhance both physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner.”
She also found that people that took dogs or cats from rescue centres noticed a decrease in minor ailments a month after their visit.
Strangely it was noted that after ten months, only the dog owners maintained the improvements in their health. Cat owners returned to their pre-cat fitness level.
Dogs are also known to act as early warnings in cases such as cancer and epilepsy.
So, if you’re not feeling good, get a dog. If you’ve moved to a new neighbourhood, get a dog. You’ll get to meet people, find your way about the area and get fit. Most of all, get a dog and it will make you a better person.
What would be a really good idea once you’ve got your dog would be to book a consultation with me. That would cause not only you to be relaxed but your dog as well.