Dogs are the best

TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL

…AND HERE’S WHY…

Thinking of getting a dog? Whether you already have a dog or are looking to get one, remembering why we have them is never a bad thing. Dogs do so much for us, so reminding ourselves about exactly why we love them so much seems like a perfect early Christmas present to us here at DQ.

DOGS KEEP US HEALTHY

Our dogs have a positive impact on our physical well-being. They don't just make us less stressed, either. They do a lot more than that: • A dog sleeping in your bed has been shown to give you a more restful night's sleep. Though previously thought to have been disruptive, recent studies have shown the opposite to be true, as long as your dog doesn't sleep on top of you. • Children who grow up with dogs have fewer allergies, ear infections, and asthma. They are also more active when playing with their four-legged buddy and spend more time outdoors. • Dogs have been known to reduce cardiovascular complications in older adults, so having a dog literally means you have a healthier heart. • Dog parents are up to four times more likely to reach their daily exercise goals. Going to the gym may be

optional, but walking the dog often isn't. • You live longer when you have a dog. Studies conducted between 1950 and 2019 showed that having a dog reduced the risk of death in many cases.

Dog owners have lower blood pressure and better responses to stress, which makes for a longer life. • Dogs help our brains function better. Canine-assisted therapy has been shown to have an extremely positive

impact on cognitive functioning in older adults, so there's no reason to believe we wouldn't reap the benefits at all ages. • People who have dogs recover more quickly from serious illness and injury than non-dog owners - whether it's down to the cuddling or the company doesn't really matter.

DOGS KEEP US SOCIAL

While we know we're bonding with our pooch, we may not have known that he, in turn, is helping us to form meaningful connections with other human beings. Dogs can even help us meet our soul mates. No matter how old you are or where you come from, your dog will play a big role in your social interactions overall: • Up to 40% of dog owners find it easier to make friends compared to those without a dog. With dogs, you always have something to talk about! • Having a dog makes it more likely your friend will visit you at home. Not that you have to have people over

every weekend, but it's nice to have the option if you want it. • If you're looking for the love of your life, pay close attention. A man with a dog has a better chance of getting a woman's number than a man without one.

Singles are also more likely to swipe right on profile pictures with a dog in them on dating apps. Make sure it's your dog in the picture, though, or you might end up with one disappointing date. • Dogs can help children with autism and social anxiety form meaningful connections with others. • Children who grow up around dogs have been known to show a higher degree of empathy.

DOGS KEEP US SANE

• Spending as little as fifteen minutes with a dog is proven to boost your mood and lower your stress levels, so having a dog in your life makes it much more likely you'll start your day with a smile.

• Dogs pick up on our feelings and often react perfectly, giving us a shoulder to cry on and a warm hug or a good play when we need it the most. • We genuinely get happier when we look into a dog's eyes. A study in Japan found that looking into a dog's eyes increased oxytocin levels in their human counterparts. Oxytocin is also known as the love hormone – need we say more? • Having a dog reduces the risk of loneliness. Social isolation is real, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dog ownership has been proven to reduce loneliness in as many as 85% of dog owners. • People with dogs have been shown to have better self-esteem, and who says no to feeling better about yourself? • Being around dogs reduces our cortisol (or stress hormone) levels, so dogs are known for being a huge help to those going through a crisis.

DOGS KEEP US SAFE

Dogs are, by nature, utterly devoted to their human families. They will put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of their human pack and are often even more protective of the children in the family. Whether they're trained to or not, once dogs feel like they're part of the family, their human family has an added level of security. Big or small, they'll do whatever they can to keep us safe.

DOGS MAKE US BETTER PEOPLE

The responsibility of having a dog spills over into other parts of our lives. They teach us to be selfless, patient, and loving. They often mirror their owner's personalities as well, which makes us more conscious of how we come across to other people. Simply having a dog in your life makes you a more awesome human being. Who wouldn't be sold on that?

FINAL THOUGHTS

We could go on forever about why dogs are so awesome… They give the best kisses; they have the kindest eyes; they make us laugh; they teach us and console us and keep us warm at night. They are such a massive part of our lives. Take a moment this festive season to appreciate everything your dog does for you without ever asking for anything in return.