Seven Reasons to Get a Dog
Yesterday was National Love Your Pet Day, so in honor of our furry little friends, this week’s post is dedicated to them. I believe all types of pets are important and deserving of love. For example, I had plenty of pet kittens as a kid who grew up on a farm, so I can appreciate affection of our feline friends. However, in the “dog versus cat” discussion, I always align myself in the dog camp. I just love all those sweet puppers. Therefore, I’ll be going over seven reasons to consider getting a dog (or two).
Why Dogs Make Our Lives Better
1. They can reduce our levels of stress and anxiety.
Did you know that as little as ten minutes of petting a cat or a dog can have a significant impact in lowering stress and anxiety levels in us? That’s because it lowers cortisol (which we don’t want) and raises oxytocin (which we do want). The compassion, companionship, and comfort that pets offer can help to quell negative emotions and provide a welcome distraction to the pressures of everyday life. Having a pet is a constant reminder that you’re not alone and that someone cares. In addition, pets are positive reinforcers for both adults and children alike. Studies have found that pet dogs are one method of improving the mental and emotional competence in children.
2. They help prepare for parenthood (and adulthood, in general).
Dogs keep us accountable. If you are even considering having children, a dog is an excellent first step. The care and patience that having a dog requires will build valuable skills necessary for when a newborn baby enters the picture. Although cats are very independent and self-sufficient, dogs are quite the opposite. Their co-dependency and reliance upon their human to care for them is a wonderful primer to parenthood.
Think about getting up in the middle of the night to let your dog relieve him/herself as a practice run to waking up for feedings and/or diaper changes for your baby. Or that incessant barking? It’ll prepare you for constant crying of your baby. Or those occasional accidents that puppies inevitably have in the house? If you have kids, you’ll quickly learn that kids make messes (a lot).
It is experiences such as these which will help you to be better prepared and react more calmly to the unexpected joys and challenges that come hand-in-hand with parenting. For some, having a dog is that final push they need to decide to have kids. For others, being a dog mom or dad brings fulfillment enough into their lives. That is what is so cool about this, because there are no right or wrong answers, no one-size-fits all. Whether you have dogs, have kids, have dogs and kids, or have neither and instead play auntie to the dogs of your family and friends – it’s all about deciding what is right for your life at this time.
3. Their love is unconditional.
As M.K. Clinton said, “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” There is so much truth in that statement. Dogs don’t discriminate. Pets can be choosy which is why sometimes they do not thrive in certain home environments. However, when they are in the right home, they will love their owner(s) with an overwhelming and unconditional love, provided they are treated fairly and kindly by their owner(s). Some dogs continue to love their owner(s) even if they are neglected and mistreated. But just because the love is unconditional, that never gives a green light to animal abuse. Pets should be treated like the kind, amazing creatures that they are. I’m sure we all know some people in this life who could benefit from learning how to love others like our furry doggo friends do.
4. They keep us in (better) physical shape.
Having dogs is also good for our physical health. They force us to get up and get outside, whether that be to let them out to do their business, to take them on daily walks, to take them to the dog park and play with them, and so on. It naturally makes a person’s lifestyle at least a little more active than it would have been without a dog. As a bonus, this also helps us to get out there and socialize with more people too.
5. They are instant mood lifters.
Many people find themselves happier when they are in the presence of dogs. For example, the investment firm I work for has Murphy, our “Chief Morale Officer” who holds office hours or “fluff consultations” several days per week. Our clients and employees absolutely love her and when Murphy comes sprinting into the building, you can immediately feel people’s spirits lift.
Dogs are just so dang cute. I know that when I’m sad, if I look into a sweet puppy’s smiling face, I feel instantly better, at least for a minute. Full disclosure, it is typical to find me googling “cutest puppy” videos online when I’m having a particularly “ruff” day.
6. They help improve mental health.
Dogs are amazing for mental health, for so many reasons. For one thing, they keep us accountable. A dog needs to be fed, exercised, entertained, taken outside to go potty, and so on. This need is day in, and day out. It could be just the thing needed to persuade someone stuck in bed with paralyzing depression to get up and start their day.
Service and therapy dogs can help fight a wide array of mental health struggles in people ranging from anxiety to PTSD, and so much more. For example, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (my personal favorite!) was first bred with the intention of serving as a comfort and companion dog, making it an excellent choice for many people as a therapy dog.
7. They are fun.
This one is self-explanatory if you have ever spent time around dogs. They can be taught tricks but they also create their own entertainment. If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, do a quick Google search for “cute and funny dog videos” and you’ll find more YouTube videos than you’ll have time to watch.
Are You Ready for a Dog?
We have now established that there are many mental, physical, and emotional benefits to owning a dog. However, they can be quite expensive and they are a lot of work, so it is important that we each consider what is best for us personally. Just because it may not be the right timing for a dog doesn’t mean it won’t be someday. For me, now isn’t the right timing for a dog, but when it is, I’ll know. For now, I think I’ll just enjoy playing auntie to Albie and Birdie, the two adorable puppers in the photo featured in this post. When deciding whether to get a pet, what matters is that you figure out what is right for your life, for this moment.
Questions, comments, or just need to chat? Send me a direct message via LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
Cheers until next time,
Crystal
