BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOG, ESPECIALLY A HAVANESE

DID YOU KNOW? DOG OWNERS ARE MORE ATTRACTIVE AND APPROACHABLE THAN PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE DOGS? 
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November celebrates National Pet Awareness Month.

​Zooeyia is the word for the research evidence reflecting the good health benefits of being around animals or pets. Havanese were found to be the best breed of dogs reducing anxiety and stress according to a study by the UK Kennel Club.

​Multiple studies showed women were more likely to give their phone number to a man with a dog. In a different study people with dogs looked more relaxed and happier in pictures. In dating platforms online there was greater selection, matches and interaction for women with a dog in their profile picture! In person there were 30% increased smiles when a dog was present.

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN 11.02.2021

GOODBYE KISSES ON PICK UP DAY! IT IS BOTH THE HARDEST AND EASIEST MOMENT FOR US, BUT WE HAVE THE BESTEST OF FAMILIES FOR OUR FURBABIES.

How dogs are good for us: 
For better mental and physical health a dog gives us many things. Dogs are great listeners. No matter what your age is a dog can patiently listen to anything we say without judgment. Nor do they offer criticism. They offer simple, supportive listening. When we feel all alone a dog offers us companionship.

Stress and anxiety were lessened for dog owners. A Washington State University study revealed cortisol was greatly reduced just by petting a dog for only 10 minutes. Cortisol is called the “stress hormone” by increasing blood flow by increasing the heart rate and blood sugar rate and more when under stress. Veterans showed lesser signs of PTSD and showed better coping skills when they owned a dog.

Today there are more and more ways of measuring the physical benefits of having a dog. A comprehensive overview of studies spanning 69 years found that dog owners lived longer because of handling stress better, exercise and having lower overall blood pressure than non-dog owners. Repetition of heart problems lessened with having a dog and improved the cardiovascular system.

Petting a dog for a short time measurably reduces the cortisol level. Dog owners walked 4X more than non-dog owners walking more than an hour and a half a week longer than non-dog owners. There was a sleep study done which deduced people slept sounder with a dog in their room because they felt safer. People with sleep disorders found service animals improved their problems. Nightmares? Sleep with a dog!

For our seniors, pet therapies show improved cognition, better social skills, and lowered agitated behaviors. There are a wide variety of studies about how dogs affect our lives, and it is mostly in positive, healthier ways. There is no doubt during this COVID period with the skyrocketing number of dogs people have acquired, dogs have become a necessary comfort many people's lives. Several have remarked how they could not have done so well without their dog(s). It is obvious that at a minimum dogs improve the quality of our lives.

REFERENCES: 
Admin. “Cortisol Hormone - Functions, Synthesis and Hormonal Level.” BYJUS, BYJU'S, 13 July 2020, https://byjus.com/biology/cortisol-hormone/.


Arford, Kaitlyn. “10 Science-Based Benefits of Having a Dog.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 11 Nov. 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/.


Livingston, Cydney. “Man's Best Friend, Our Relationship to Dogs.” Research Blog, 5 Mar. 2020, https://researchblog.duke.edu/2020/02/15/mans-best-friend-our-relationship-to-dogs/.


Mailonline, Lucy Laing For. “Havanese Is Best Dog for Reducing Stress.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 20 Oct. 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4998614/Havanese-best-dog-reducing-stress.html. 


Roy, Sree. “Dogs and Their Promising Roles in Sleep Disorders Therapy.” Sleep Review, Sleep Review, 1 June 2020, https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/dogs-promising-roles-sleep-disorders-therapy/.