Having a dog has numerous health benefits, including helping you live longer. People who own a dog are more likely to engage in physical activity and walk more than those who don’t have one.
They also have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is a major factor in heart disease. A study also found that people who had a pet were more likely to have a shorter hospital stay and recover faster from surgery.
1. Weight Gain
Being overweight or obese is not only unhealthy for humans, it can also be dangerous for dogs. Obesity increases the risk of certain diseases such as arthritis and shortens your pet’s lifespan.
Weight gain can be caused by a number of different factors, including a change in diet or a lack of exercise. Dogs who have a sedentary lifestyle are more susceptible to weight gain, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s weight regularly.
If your dog’s weight gain is sudden, it may be a sign of a serious illness. For example, heart disease and cancer can cause fluid to leak into the abdomen and make the bloated belly look like your dog has gained weight.
2. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common health problem in humans. It’s caused by a number of factors including stress, smoking, and a high salt diet.
If your dog has high blood pressure, it’s a sign of an underlying disease that needs to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. It can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system.
Fortunately, most dogs who have a chronic disease can have their blood pressure controlled with medication. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s blood pressure closely to make sure it stays in the healthy range.
Usually, your veterinarian will take several readings, then average them together to give you a more accurate result. Some vets will also recommend limiting the amount of salt in your dog’s diet to help control it. However, there’s not enough data to determine how helpful this practice is.
3. Asthma
Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways (the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs). It can be mild or severe.
Your doctor will tell you if you have asthma based on your symptoms and the way you breathe. They will do breathing tests to see how your lungs work.
They may also ask you to use a device called a peak flow meter to measure how much air you breathe in and out. If you have a peak flow meter, your doctor will be able to find out what triggers your asthma and help you to manage it.
Most people who have asthma are allergic to things in the air, like pollen, dust mites, and pets. These triggers can vary from person to person and even change over time.
4. Loneliness
Many people struggle with feelings of loneliness, which can be a distressing experience. Loneliness can be triggered by a number of factors, such as changes in living conditions or the lack of a close friend.
It may also be triggered by the loss of a loved one or the lack of a cherished animal companion. It can be a difficult feeling to deal with, especially if you feel like your friends aren’t recognizing your needs or that you don’t have enough close relationships.
Although loneliness is a common feeling, it’s important to remember that it’s not always a bad thing. In fact, it’s sometimes a sign that you need to connect with people. Ultimately, it’s up to you to find the right social connections for you.
5. Depression
It may come as a surprise that dog owners have been found to be less likely to suffer from depression than people without pets. This is because owning a pet is associated with being responsible and productive, both of which help reduce stress and improve mood.
Having a pet also helps you get more exercise, which is linked with better mental health. And dogs are known for boosting their owners’ social skills, which also help ease symptoms of depression.
In addition, research shows that dogs help people recover from traumatic events and alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. This is because they increase oxytocin production, decrease stress and fear, and provide unconditional companionship.