8 Benefits That Make Dogs Great for Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Many children who don’t have a pet always dream about having a dog. And although some family members may not be thrilled by the arrival of your newest furry friend, it often ends up being the best thing to happen to any family. Other pets are great, but I believe life is so much better with a dog.

Having a pet dog has a huge amount of health benefits, from mood enhancement to controlling blood pressure. As well as curing loneliness, dogs have been known to reduce stress and depression, and anxiety levels are significantly lowered.

But of course there are more cuddlier reasons why we keep dogs as pets, and here are eight reasons that we love the most:

1. You always have someone to walk or run with.

One of the best things about having a dog is that you always have someone to go on a walk or a run with. Unlike other members of your family, your dog will always want to go with you. Not only that, but they love every second of being on the walk, too. There’s nothing a dog loves more than being outside and spending some time with you (except maybe treats and toys).

2. You always have someone to cuddle with.

Cats are cuddly, but a cuddle with a dog is so much different. They will cuddle up to you as close as possible because they want to be as close to you as they can. Whereas cats normally end up getting their claws out. Dogs don’t need you to constantly stroke them or entertain them. They just want to snuggle up next to you, have a snooze and binge watch a series on Netflix.

3. They are always making you laugh.

We’ve all watched those dog videos on YouTube and cracked up laughing. So having a furry friend in your house will be the same. The amount of times dogs can make you laugh out loud is amazing, and they are such a good mood lifter when you’re not feeling at your best.

4. They’re always there for you, even when others may not be.

Everyone has those days where they feel completely down and fed up with the world. So whenever we feel like the world is against us and nothing is going right, dogs make those days better. There’s no better feeling than having your dog come and snuggle with you when you’re having a low day.

5. They’re always happy to see you.

Is there a better feeling than walking through the front door and seeing your dog standing there with their tails wagging? It’s the best feeling in the world. They get so excited to see you they can barely contain their joy! It’s a beautiful feeling being greeted like that, especially when you’ve had a long day.

6. It’s fun to buy things for them.

There’s something oddly satisfying about making your way down the pet aisle and picking up a little something for your furry friend. It makes us happy, and it makes them happy, too. It’s lovely to get just as excited about giving your dog a new toy as it is for them to receive it.

7. They will always be your protector.

Dogs have been man’s loyal companions for years, and it’s very common for them to save our lives. They are so loyal, and will stick by their owner’s side no matter what. It’s a bit cliché, but it’s nice to know there’s someone who is looking out for you, even if they do have four legs.

8. They love you no matter what.

Even if you accidentally step on their paw, cover them with horrid pest control for fleas or shout at them for chewing your favorite pair of shoes, 20 seconds later they will be your best friend again, wagging their tails and trying to lick you. No matter what goes wrong in your life, a dog will always be a constant variable that won’t change.

Having a pet dog means you have unconditional love for a lifetime, and there’s nothing better than that.