The saying, “A dog is man’s best friend”, carries more meaning as more studies show that dog ownership results in many health benefits.  Owning a dog may help to lower blood pressure, manage stress better, help you lose weight and increase your immune system.

The American Heart Association has linked dog ownership with lower levels of hypertension, favorable lipid profiles and increased survival rates after an acute coronary event such as a stroke or heart attack. This is due to dogs being a motivator for physical activity. Dogs not only provide physical activity, but they also provide the emotional benefits of having an affectionate creature, thus the decrease in hypertension.

It should be noted that the act of owning a dog is not the cure for these healthy benefits. It is the act of taking the dog out on regular walks. Studies have shown that dog owners who did not take their dogs out on regular walks were more likely to be obese than those who didn’t own dogs.

Children raised in homes with dogs were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies. This is due to the higher exposure rate to dirt, dust, dander and dog saliva. Dr. James Gern, MD of University of Wisconsin, analyzed the blood of newborn babies immediately after birth and then again one year later. Babies living in homes with dogs had far less pet allergies and had fewer incidents of eczema.

Although owning a dog may not be the cure to a fit and healthy life, it is certainly a step in the right direction towards lowering blood pressure and increasing physical activity and immunity. If you’re not able to take full responsibility of dog ownership but would like the active benefits, consider volunteering as a dog walker at the local shelter or becoming a foster home for dogs that are looking for a permanent home.