Surprising Benefits Our Dogs Bring to Us

In my novel, Tiny Home, the chocolate lab Bronson detects scents that warn his owners of crime evidence.  He sniffs problems with the plumbing and electrical systems in the Hardys’ cabin. They ignore him. It would forever change the story if they had listened. Here are reasons you should pay attention to your dog’s sniffing and appreciate the other benefits of owning a canine!

1.  Dogs help build your immune system,

It’s no joke.  People that live with dogs develop the same “good” bacteria in their guts as their furry friends.  It links these bacteria with overall mental and physical health, especially as we age. Fido acts as our probiotic protection, keeping us from succumbing to illnesses.  So the next time you complain about dirty dogs, think twice. You need the good germs to fight off the bad kind.

2,    You might date more.

No, you will date more.  Many studies have shown people perceive pet owners to be more empathetic and nurturing.  Another study showed more than half of the people interviewed said they would not go out with someone who does not like pets.  According to one source, couples who were pet owners reported a higher rate of relationship satisfaction. Other experiments have shown the odds of getting a woman’s phone number increase by over 50% for a single man with a pooch on a leash.  And labs were the top-rated choices for instant attraction. How can you resist a loveable labrador?

3.    You and your children may develop a stronger resistance to

        allergens.

Dogs help children pick up microbes that protect them from allergies and asthma.  Kids raised with dogs are more likely to benefit when the bacteria fall from their pet’s skin and settles in the gut, where it triggers the immunity response.  One study showed that children raised with canines are 77% less likely to develop adverse reactions to dust mites, ragweed, and grass.

4.    Your dog may help with early detection of cancer and other diseases.

Dogs rank superior to humans.  Yes, it’s true for olfactory receptors.  They hold up to 300 million while humans average six million.  And the part of their brain devoted to smell is 40 times more developed than ours.  Nova reported that one dog could smell whale poop floating on the water in Puget Sound a mile away.  Our favorite canines have detected buried odors as far as 40 feet underground. So the next time your loving pooch sniffs you all over, don’t shoo your “doctor” away.  Pay attention and schedule a visit with your physician if the dog repeatedly sniffs in one area of your body. It may just save your life.

5.    Dogs can help you stay sober.

Your dog is a model of the unconditional love and support you need when you are struggling to overcome an addiction.  Not only is your furry companion there for you, but taking care of pooch teaches you lessons in responsibility and caretaking.  When your emotions hop aboard a roller coaster, your pet can help stabilize them with their need for exercise. Walking reduces depression and triggers endorphins which fight stress.  You are less likely to fall off the wagon if your feelings are positive.