Recent research shows that adopting a four-legged companion acts on our body like a long-term prescription. The verdict on the health benefits of a dog is described as a categorical “yes”, explains the magazine The World of Animals and Nature. And this observation goes far beyond the simple fact of walking a little more.
For a young working person under pressure, a parent worried about their children or an elderly person who wants to maintain their autonomy, the benefits are varied. Better heart rate, more stable morale, trained immunity, richer social life: all this emerges from studies of dog owners. Behind this ball of fur hides a lever for overall health that researchers are measuring better and better, even if the general public is still little aware of it.
A dog, a discreet ally of your cardiovascular health
In dog owners, doctors observe a lower resting heart rate, a sign of a heart that is working less hard but remains efficient. People who have already suffered a heart attack also have a higher survival rate when living with a dog. Studies suggest an effect on cholesterol and triglycerides, maintained at healthier levels, which mechanically reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
This biological shield is partly due to a change in lifestyle. Caring for an animal requires going outside, whatever the weather. Compiled data shows that on average a dog adds
300 minutes of physical activity per week to his master’s routine, which is much more than what many gym memberships provide. This moderate but regular effort improves general fitness and contributes to a longer life expectancy.
Walks and games: a simple remedy for a sedentary lifestyle
These outings are not simple hygienic breaks. Daily walking, often outdoors, acts as real movement therapy. It fights against a sedentary lifestyle, strengthens muscles and bone structure and, in the elderly, helps preserve balance and independence. Having a fixed appointment with your dog morning and evening structures the day and slows down cognitive decline by keeping the brain alert.
To keep your dog balanced, a simple loop around the block isn’t enough. An adult needs approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours of active exercise per day, depending on their race, points out the Trucmania website. Access to the garden does not replace a real walk, because it offers little new stimulation. Introducing variety benefits both the animal and the owner, who benefits from disguised and fun sports sessions.
Stress, immunity, social life: the other health benefits of a dog
The benefit does not only concern the heart. Petting a dog or meeting its gaze triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin in our brain. These “happiness hormones” are the natural enemies of anxiety, stress and depression. In people affected by post-traumatic stress syndrome or a neurodegenerative disease, the stable presence of the animal serves as an emotional anchor. Some dogs, thanks to an extraordinary sense of smell, even detect certain cancers before traditional examinations.
In children, growing up with a dog exposes them to more microbes early on, which stimulates the immune system: studies show fewer allergies and respiratory infections. On a relational level, the dog becomes a “social lubricant”, making contact easier. All of this in turn requires respecting your activity needs, to prevent boredom from generating difficult behaviors.
