There are many benefits of owning a dog but did you know that a dog can actually be good for your physical and mental health? We have compiled academic research from around the world to highlight the nine main areas in which owning or interacting with a dog can improve your health.
The Canine Charter for Human Health
1. Dog owners make fewer visits to their doctors
2. Owning a dog can help reduce stress and anxiety
3. Owning a dog can help reduce blood pressure
4. Owners who walk their dogs are healthier than non-dog owners
5. Dogs can help the development of children with autism and children with learning difficulties
6. Owning a dog can boost your immune system
7. Dog owners are likely to recover quicker from heart attacks
8. Dogs can help safeguard against depression
9. Trained dogs can detect a variety of health conditions – including epileptic fits, cancerous tumours and hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)