Post contributed by freelancer Gemma Baylis

If you’ve found your way to the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue site, chances are, you’ve come across the many beautiful faces of dogs who have been given a second chance at life thanks to someone who has decided to give them a forever home. You may be eyeing adoptable dogs this very day, carefully choosing the one that will be just right for you and your family. Those who truly consider dogs man’s best friend are tickled pink to read of the many health benefits dogs can bestow on human beings; in fact, some of the most recent studies show that dog ownership during the period of infancy can increase immunity and even keep colds, ear infections and even respiratory problems at bay.! It’s not all about the physical, however; dogs can improve our quality of life and boost our mental health in so many ways. These are just a few:

• Dogs keep us calm: Studies have shown that simply having a dog lowers stress levels. One study in particular analyzed the effects of pet ownership on cardiovascular responses to psychological stress among a group of persons in high-stress jobs, who suffered from hypertension. The results showed that those who owned pets had a less dramatic physiological response to stress (as measured by heart rate, blood pressure, etc). They also noted that pet ownership is particularly beneficial to those with low social support systems, since those who feel socially isolated tended to respond more drastically to psychological stress. Some of the persons who can most avail of the benefits of having a dog are persons recovering from an addiction to substances or alcohol, as well as to those who are going through difficult experiences (such as a divorce of loss of a loved one). Scientists believe the secret lies in the positive feelings pets can produce, which enhance our ability to react more calmly to stress. Having a pet enables us to understand what matters in life and to put problems into perspective.
• Dogs increase our task performance: You might think that dogs are a distraction; in fact, the same study, above, showed that those with pets were more capable of performing tasks correctly, than those without dogs. Far from being a distraction, they actually enhance our concentration!
• Dogs can increase our social circle: Dogs force us to get up and get about; to take a fun walk to the nearest park, sign them up at dog behavior school or head for the beach for a fun day of Frisbee. Dogs make it very hard to stay home and feel depressed, since they need to go out and socialize with other dogs. When we help them accomplish this need, we create new opportunities to meet other dog lovers, and make valuable new friendships. It is no wonder that research has shown that pet owners tend to suffer from less depression than those who do not have four-pawed friends in their lives.
• Dog ownership keeps the doctor away: Did you know that pet owners above the age of 65 are 30 per cent less likely to pay a visit to the doctor? This suggests that simply having a dog can reduce our anxiety and worry.
• Dogs can improve our self-esteem: Being a dog owner involves responsibility, consistency and caring. Many persons worry about adopting a dog because they are worried they won’t know how to care for them. When they do take the leap and welcome a dog into their lives, however, they soon discover that it is very much like having a baby for the first time: it all seems to come instinctively. By selecting a good veterinarian, scheduling regular visits for your dog and following recommended nutritional advice (and ensuring your dog gets a good walk every day), you will probably find that your self-confidence in your ability to care for your wonderful pet, will grow with each passing day. Soon you will be proud of the many achievements you have made alongside your dog, including teaching them to walk on the lead, perform amazing tricks and even complete challenging agility courses! From whichever way you look at it, a dog can enhance your life as much as you can enhance his!