3 Ways a Dog Can Improve Your Life
Dogs are loyal, sensitive, and fun to be around.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet, a dog can be a great option. Apart from being adorable, dogs are loyal, sensitive, and fun to be around, which makes them great companions. If you’re still on the fence, just take a look at these three ways a dog can improve your life:
1. Get More Exercise
Unless you’ve got a good routine going, it can tough to motivate yourself when it comes to exercise. We all know it’s an essential element of a healthy lifestyle, but that doesn’t make it any easier to actually get up and out the door. When you have a dog, however, exercise will naturally become part of your day-to-day life.
All adult dogs need daily exercise, but some can require a minimum of two hours of physical activity each day. Due to this, it’s important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle, so that you can give them the time and exercise they need every day.
2. Reduce Stress Levels
Pet owners typically have lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and many have lower blood pressure too. If you tend to feel more relaxed after spending time with animals, it’s because they can have a positive impact on your stress levels. For people who are prone to worry, anxiety, or even panic attacks, getting a dog can be a great way to enhance your own well-being.
Of course, we all need to take a proactive approach when it comes to stress and mental health, which is why this is one advantage of dog ownership that really can benefit everyone.
3. Beat Loneliness
Loneliness isn’t just emotionally damaging; feeling isolated can have an impact on your physical health too. In some instances, people may develop depression as a result of on-going loneliness, which is why it’s essential that everyone can connect with someone or something they care about.
Fortunately, dogs are fantastic companions. As well as always being pleased to see you, their physical presence can help you to cope with challenging times and situations. From accompanying you on holidays to watching your favourite movie with you, a dog will never let you down.
Are You Ready for Dog Ownership?
There’s no doubt that a dog can enhance a human’s life in numerous ways, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you should head straight out to buy or adopt an animal. Before you can do this, you’ll need to consider whether you’re able to offer a dog everything they need. To get an idea of the decisions you’ll have to make as a dog owner, take a look at these things every potential owner should consider:
1. What to Feed Your Dog
Feeding a dog seems simple enough until you’re a dog owner, that is! As we learn more about animal health, a wider range of options are available, and many owners find that a raw food diet works best for their pooch. In fact, it’s even better for older dogs, as this Bella & Duke guide explains. With Bella & Duke, feeding your pup raw food is easier than it seems. In addition to being pre-packaged, you can store the food in the freezer and simply defrost as needed. What’s more – you can choose raw food that’s perfect for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors, and a handy subscription means your dog’s food can be delivered right to your door.
2. Whether to Insure Your Dog
Vet’s bills can be one of the costliest aspects of owning a dog, which is why it’s generally advisable to take out pet insurance. Although insurance won’t cover everything, such as teeth cleaning and inoculations, it can help to cover the cost of surgeries and medications, if your dog requires them.
3. When You’ll Be at Home
Dogs require companionship just as much as humans, and they can’t be left alone for long periods of time. Your lifestyle and the nature of your work may be the deciding factor in whether you’re able to get a dog, so be sure to consider this carefully. If you’re able to work from home, reduce your hours, or even take your dog to work, this could be a great way to ensure your dog won’t spend too much time alone.
What Dog is Right for You?
If you’ve decided that you’re ready to welcome a dog into your home, you’ll need to spend some time thinking about what breeds might be suitable. After all, there’s a significant difference between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane!
Even smaller dogs require daily exercise and a significant amount of attention, so don’t be fooled into thinking they’re easier to care for. In fact, some small or medium-sized dogs require more physical activity than larger breeds.
By researching dog breeds carefully and talking to experts, such as your local vet, you’ll be able to find out which breeds are most likely to fit in well with your existing lifestyle. As a result, you’ll be able to offer a happy and healthy home to a pooch that will offer so much more in return.
Next up,Regaining Your Life After An Injury: Positive Steps You Can Take
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