Dogs are women's best friends. You've heard this, and the reasons seem obvious (they're cute, loyal and don't judge you), but did you know they can help you lose weight too? That, and 5 other reasons are enough reasons to have a new member in your family.
They provide social support
You call him 'buddy' for a reason. Studies have shown that owning a dog can help boost your self-esteem and create a sense of belonging — especially after experiencing a dose of rejection. Just got back from a bad date? Was your day at work a mess? Nothing that a caressing your friend doesn't take away from your problems.
They relieve stress
It is proven that just by petting a dog your anxiety decreases and, consequently, you end up feeling calmer. In fact, Harvard Medical School has brought in a kind of canine therapy to make the environment of its employees happier. (Something you might want to try if you work somewhere that accepts animals.)
Your children become more responsible
Makes sense, right? Taking care of an animal means thinking about something (or, cof, someone) other than you. Research also indicates that children who form a strong bond with their animals feel more connected to their community and relationships. So, the next time your son or daughter begs for a dog, maybe you should consider that.
They reduce children's allergies
This seems to be a bit of a contradiction in terms because of all the fur, but according to the National Academy of Sciences, children who grow up with animals (and therefore exposed to common allergens) are at a lower risk of developing asthma and dust allergies, ragweed, and, of course, other animals.
They encourage you to be more active
You've heard it before, but it's true: people who have pets engage in more activities than those who don't. In addition to daily walks, studies have found that, in general, owners tend to exercise more.
They help you to age better
Studies have shown that the company of dogs requires constant care, this causes the feeling of loneliness to decrease and there is an increase in the sense of having a purpose for people already retired. The company of animals also helps to increase physical activities. So go ahead and create an animal shelter — that will do your body good too.
Anyone who has a dog knows that they are pure love. They don't have a bad day and are always in a good mood to greet you when you get home. If you haven't had this experience yet, you should try it. Your body, your happiness and your family will thank you.
Text written by Amanda Magliaro Prieto of the Eu Sem Fronteiras Team
