Science Says You Should Get A Dog For The Sake Of Your Health

If you spend an inordinate number of hours squealing over pups on Instagram but you’re still on the fence about getting one—because, though painfully adorable, dogs are a massive responsibility—these science-backed health benefits might be the nudge you need.

Dogs encourage you to keep a healthy daily routine

If we could motivate ourselves, most of us would rise early to get a head-start on the day, maybe go to a few less happy hours and get a few more hours of exercise. As a dog owner, all of that will be built into your lifestyle automatically. Their routine becomes your routine, which makes those healthy improvements a little more effortless.
A post shared by Puffie The Chow (@puffie_the_chow) on Jul 10, 2017 at 9:13pm PDT

All those walks are good for you too

A recent study found that dog owners take approximately 3,000 more steps per day than dog-less people, even in the winter when going outside is a lot less enticing. That equates to 23 more minutes of movement daily, and around 700 calories burned every week.
A post shared by Bob & Marley (@bob_marley_goldenretriever) on Oct 3, 2016 at 2:59pm PDT

They’ll stop you feeling lonely

Loneliness is just about the worst thing for humans, comparable only to smoking in terms of its negative impact on health. Coming home to a buddy who is always unreservedly delighted to see you is a daily feel-good boost that’s great for staving off the blues.
A post shared by Marnie The Dog (@marniethedog) on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:44pm PST

Dogs are great for your gut

Your unique microbiome—the trillions of microbes acquired throughout your life that live on and inside your body—have an intricate and profound affect on health. Your gut in particular needs a diverse range in order to keep functioning optimally, and it turns out dogs can aid that. Studies show kids who grow up with pets have fewer allergies and infections and require less antibiotics (which are like an atomic bomb for your gut microbes) throughout their lives.
A post shared by Simba The Samoyed (@simba.thesamoyed) on Jun 3, 2017 at 5:24pm PDT

Puppy cuddles chill you out

Every time you stroke and cuddle your dog oxytocin is released, a feel-good “bonding” hormone that lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity and prevents anxiety and depression. What’s more, the dog also gets an oxy-high, so it’s a win-win.
Good night!!✨🐶💤みんなで寝るよ〜*\(^o^)/* #お泊まり会 #楽しいね #怖い話したりして #ごろんまる
A post shared by Shinjiro Ono (@marutaro) on Jun 8, 2017 at 7:57am PDT
All this is to say—go get a dog, it’s doctor’s orders.

About the author

Esme Benjamin

Wellness Editor

Born and raised in Bristol, England, Esme has been geeking out over syntax her entire life. She studied English Lit by the Brighton seaside before moving to London to pursue her writing career in 2009, going on to work for Grazia Daily, The Telegraph and SheerLuxe. In 2013 she swapped The Big Smoke for The Big Apple, where she trained as a yoga teacher and contributed to Refinery29, Self, Fitness Magazine and Greatist. When she's not glued to her laptop or iPhone you'll find her drinking Kale Margaritas at an East Village happy hour, planning her next adventure, or hand-standing (with more vigor than skill) at the yoga studio.