What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Dog In New Zealand?
By now, you've probably heard the long-running adage "dog is man's best friend" countless times. However, what you might not have not realised is that there is actual scientific evidence that proves that dogs are in fact more than just our furry companions.
New Zealand has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, even referred to by some as a nation of pet owners. Even though most New Zealanders adopt pets mainly for companionship, numerous studies have found that dog ownership offers a lot more benefits than you might think.
These benefits range from physical benefits, emotional benefits, security and even social benefits. If you are thinking about getting yourself a dog, then continue reading to find out why a pooch might just be exactly the addition you need in your life and home.
1. Helps You to Exercise More Regularly
One of the biggest health benefits of owning a dog is that it helps to keep you more physically active. According to a study published in 2019 in Scientific Report, as a dog owner, you are four times more likely to meet the recommended standards for physical activity than a non-dog owner.
Most health experts recommend engaging in at least two and a half hours of moderate exercise each week. And just by sparing about 20 mins daily to take your pet for its favorite walk, you can easily achieve this target and be well on your way to improved overall health.
2. Helps To Minimize The Risks of Allergies in Children
While introducing a dog into your home while you are allergic to dogs isn't a smart idea, a study conducted in 2004 revealed that by exposing children below one year to dogs and cats helped to minimize their risks of developing pet allergies later in life. By having a dog in your home can actually help to maintain the health of your kids/grandkids.
3. Reduced Stress Levels
Various studies have demonstrated how spending time with your dog helps to reduce stress levels. Research has found that by petting your dog, playing with it or just having it around significantly helps to reduce stress hormones, and increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters responsible for making you feel good and happy.
4. Reduces the Feeling of Loneliness and Depression
Loneliness and depression are some of the biggest issues affecting people all over the world. While loneliness might not seem like a medical problem, it does have an impact on your overall health. The stress caused by being alone and disconnected often leads to depression and other health problems including cardiovascular illnesses. However, the love and attention that a dog gives you will help keep you more positive and caring for it provides a great sense of purpose.
5. Improves Heart Health
In addition to the health benefits that increased exercise provides to your heart, studies have also found that petting a dog helps to reduce blood pressure. All of these factors greatly help to improve your cardiovascular health. In fact, numerous studies have found that dog owners who suffer from heart attacks are much more likely to survive episodes than non-dog owners.
6. Improves Your Social Life
It is a well-known fact that as people get older, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to meet and interact with other people. However, if you are a dog owner, you are more likely to make new friends and expand your social network. People are more likely to stop you in the streets and start up conversations with you about your dog. And you are also bound to meet and engage with other dog-owners who will be more than excited to open up and talk about their furry companions.
While being a dog owner in New Zealand requires a lot of commitment and investment in terms of both time and money, the benefits of owning one are definitely worth the responsibility.