Three Ways Your Dog Can Make You Healthy

Numerous studies have confirmed what comics have been telling us all along. Laughter is good for you. It has been proven to reduce stress hormones like Cortisol, increases muscle flexion, lowers blood pressure and boosts immune function by raising levels of T-cells. Laughter also releases the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, and increases emotional well being while decreasing feelings of depression. Dogs, it seems, are natural born comedians who don't need a comedy club or television show to do their stuff. I know I laugh many times a day at the antics of my Rat Terrier. It's impossible not to. With recent studies suggesting that depression is more deadly than many other chronic diseases and probably a contributing factor to many, spending some time with a canine goof-ball might be the best health insurance available.

2. Exercise: Walking the Dog

In a Columbia University Study participants lost an average of fourteen pounds when they started walking the dog twenty minutes a day five times a week. Dog owners were also found to be more likely than others to walk regularly and longer. Being responsible for someone else's well being can be more compelling than looking out for your own, it seems. I know I feel worse about missing the morning walk knowing that the dog is missing his favorite part of the day than I otherwise would. Then there's the fact that he sits by the door whining right after breakfast beseeching me with his eyes. It's hard to tell him I'm too lazy to take him for the best hour of his day, so out I go.

3. Sleep: Dogs Provide Peace of Mind

I don't know about other dog owners, but I know I sleep better at night knowing my dog is in the living room snoozing. There is no imaginable circumstance under which a burglar of any description could enter my house without causing a huge ruckus, something that burglars by nature are loathe to do. He doesn't quit working in a power outage, and there's no way to short circuit him. He's also a light sleeper. Quality of sleep has a huge effect on health. Lack of sleep has been linked to some cancers, heart disease, diabetes and more. Add to the peace of mind the dog brings to the household the fact that the early morning walk engenders more regular bedtimes and that regular exercise with the dog also promotes good sleep, and the dog starts looking like a canine wonder drug.

Actually, all of the health benefits of canine companionship are synergistic. Better brain chemistry equals better sleep. More exercise makes for less depression. Better sleep eases mood problems and so on.

So, if you want the best elixir available to man, a dog-centric lifestyle might be for you.