Top 10 Health Reasons
to Have a Dog According to Igor Purlantov
Although the phrase a “Man’s Best Friend” only dates back to
the 19th century, dogs have long played a key role in the lives of humans says
animal rights advocate Igor Purlantov.
It is believed that modern day dogs were domesticated from gray wolves
around 15,000 years ago. Since that
time, dogs have become best friends with both men and women and have gained
increasingly popularity throughout the years according to Igor Purlantov.
Adding to the increased popularity of dogs is the fact that
many people enjoy their companionship.
Along with providing companionship, there are numerous health benefits
of having a dog in your household says Igor Purlantov. Here is a list of some of those health
benefits that may surprise even the greatest dog lover:
Improved Social
Interactions
Dogs are a great natural conversation starter and provide an
easy way for people to socially interact with others. Dogs are also great for making love
connections between people especially for those that may otherwise be socially
shy.
Great for Mind and
Soul
It has been shown that people with a serious illness such as
cancer are far less likely to suffer from depression when they have a dog. The health benefits are particularly good
when the person has a strong attachment to their dog.
Good for Blood
Pressure
People with dogs are believed to have lower blood pressure
than those without. One study showed
that stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a dog had lower blood
pressure readings in stressful situations than those without a dog.
Increased Serotonin
and Dopamine
Studies have shown that playing with a dog can raise levels
of serotonin and dopamine, usually achieved with drug use, and thus providing
an all natural way to increase feelings of pleasure and calm.
Asthma and Allergy
Prevention in Children
Studies have shown that early and regular contact with dogs
can help children avoid developing a number of respiratory problems including
asthma. There is also evidence that
living with a dog can also help prevent allergies in children.
Improved Immune
System
Having a dog has been shown to boost your immune system and
also improve how it functions. It is
believed that dogs often have a very good sense of when a person is ill and are
great at providing comfort to help a person feel better.
Improved Mood and
Reduced Depression
Simply interacting with a dog can improve your mood and help
make you feel better in general. Also, having a dog can help relieve depression
since playing with a dog helps take your mind off your issues and allows you to
focus on something else.
Reduced Loneliness
Having a dog has been shown to help people that are feeling
lonely, especially those who are single or widowed. Having a dog also provides a connection and
allows for someone feeling lonely to be able to spend time with another living
being.
Good for the Heart
It has been shown in several studies that heart attack
patients who have a dog survived longer than those without. Also, males who
have a dog have less sign of heart disease including lower triglyceride and
cholesterol levels than other males that do not.
Helping with Age
Walking a dog has been shown to provide both exercise and
companionship for the elderly. Studies
have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is a
dog in the home. Some insurance
companies even ask their clients over age 75 if they have a dog as part of
their medical screening as it is often seen as a good sign.
With all of these heath benefits, it is no surprise that a
dog can be both a man and woman’s best friend says Igor Purlantov. Along with providing companionship, having a
dog provides numerous health benefits including helping you age so why not go
to your local animal shelter and find a new best friend to age gracefully
together with as you enjoy each other’s company.
With an increased number of military personnel
returning home from deployment overseas, there has been an increased focus on ways
to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through animal therapy according
to animal rights advocate Igor Purlantov.
The need for an effective treatment of PTSD is crucial given that an
estimated one in five Iraq war veterans has some degree of PTSD or combat
related stress but only one third of those screened receives any
treatment. 
