• Healthy State
  • Careers
  • Education
  • Research
  • Giving
Ochsner Health Ochsner Health
  • About
  • Find A Doctor (current)
  • Find A Location
  • Specialties & Treatments
MyOchsner Logo
Login | Signup
Submit Search magnifying glass icon
Close Search X icon
  •   Home
  • In To Your Health...
  • Food & Fitness
  • Conditions & Treatment
  • Health Trends
  • Prevention & Wellness
  • Women's Health
  • Men's Health
  • Mental Health
  • Parenting
  • I need to...
  • Find A Doctor
  • Find A Location
  • Find A Specialty
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Pay A Bill
  • Explore
  • About Ochsner
  • Careers
  • Patients & Visitors
  • "To Your Health" Blog
  • Health Resources
  • Medical Professionals
  • Education
  • Philanthropy
  • Community Outreach
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Research
  • Ochsner Health Network
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Call: 1-866-624-7637
  • Online: Login to MyOchsner
  • Personalize your content
  • patient Edit Persona Persona Chooser
To Your Health

View Newsletter Editions
  • Food & Fitness
  • Conditions & Treatment
  • Health Trends
  • Prevention & Wellness
  • Women's Health
  • Men's Health
  • Mental Health
  • Parenting
Girl Kissing Dog

5 Benefits of Dog Ownership

Nov 14, 2019 |
By Cassie Rockweiler, LCSW, MSW
Share Facebook Logo Twitter Logo Pinterest Logo Email Logo

It’s no surprise that dogs melt hearts, but did you know your furry companion can also strengthen your heart and overall health? Several studies have shown that there are many health benefits to owning dog aside from the joy they bring to your home.

Reduce anxiety and depression

Dogs are great for helping people who experience anxiety and depression. Dogs have an amazing ability to interpret human emotions, which helps them comfort you. They also help boost your serotonin and dopamine (chemical messengers that help regulate bodily functions), which can elevate your mood and help you relax. Just petting dogs can help reduce stress while helping you feel close to them. Go ahead and show them some love back and give them a belly rub.

A Sense of Purpose and Structure

Owing a dog requires a lot of work but it’s a rewarding job! Like humans, dogs need regular mealtimes and exercise. This can help you structure your day by factoring daily walks and meals in your day. You’ll be more likely to get out of bed if you know your dog is waiting to be fed. Your pup can also give you a renewed sense of purpose through your love and care. Dogs are completely dependent on their owners, which is perfect for empty nesters who have forgotten what it feels to be needed.

Help You Stay in Shape

If you need the extra push to get moving, your dog will be your best workout buddy. Regardless of the type of breed, your dog will need to be walked at least once a day. Dogs are typically alone at home for an average of 10 hours, which means there will be a lot of pent-up energy. A brisk walk or jog will help your cardiovascular health and help you lose a couple of pounds.

A New Social You

Have you ever walked past a dog and smiled or ask the owner if you can pet it? Dogs have a fantastic way of helping us to open up without a second thought. Don’t be surprised if a fellow dog owner happily exclaims “Puppy!” and starts talking to you about their love for dogs. Dog parks, pet stores and even some bars and cafes are also great places for you and your dog to meet others.

Best Friends for Life

When it comes to unconditional love, no one has as big of heart as a dog. Their loyalty, love and protection know no bounds. Rest assured that after long day there will be a furiously wagging tail and four paws ready to pounce the second you walk through the door. Your pup will encourage playfulness and will be happy to cuddle up to you as you unwind.

While dogs are great for boosting your mood and providing emotional support, it’s important to seek counseling should you need help managing stress or anxiety.

Get more information on reducing anxiety.

Tags
pets
dogs

You may also be interested in:

Getty Images 1128207280
Health Trends
August 9, 2022

10 Reasons to Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Are you looking for a way to give back this holiday season? You might want to consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Not only will you be giving back to an animal in need, you will discover other benefits, too.
By Kristen Morris, LCSW
Picture1
Conditions & Treatment
August 9, 2022

Pet Therapy Brings Healing Power of Pets to Ochsner Patients

Interaction with animals has been shown to have both short and long term health benefits. How one local group is bringing the healing power of pets to the patients at Ochsner Medical Center.
12068869 678738112262653 7906032465363206054 O
Prevention & Wellness
August 9, 2022

Introducing Your Pet(s) and New Baby

Is your fur-baby ready to meet their new sibling?
By Paige Entwisle

email envelop icon Comments about the blog? Send us an email!

Ochsner Health

Schedule An Appointment: 1-866-624-7637

Follow us: Facebook Follow Ochsner Health on TikTok Twitter Follow Ochsner Health on Twitter LinkedIn Visit Ochsner Health's LinkedIn page Instagram Follow Ochsner Health on Instagram YouTube Subscribe to Ochsner Health on YouTube Pinterest Follow Ochsner Health on Pinterest TikTok Follow Ochsner Health on TikTok

Healthy living tips newsletters, delivered to your inbox.

Sign Up

Patients & Visitors

  • Billing & Financial Services
  • Insurance Information
  • International Patients
  • Request Medical Records
  • Share Your Story
  • Read Patient Stories

Medical Professionals

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Refer a Patient

Health Resources

  • To Your Health Blog
  • Golden Opportunity
  • Healthy State
  • Ochsner Magazine

Job Seekers

  • Career Paths
  • Benefits
  • Open Positions

Employees

  • Webmail
  • OHSLink
  • Workday

Employers

  • Corporate Wellness
  • Medicare Advantage Plans

Community Outreach

  • Classes & Events
  • Programs
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy

Education

  • Graduate Medical Education
  • Clinical Medical Education
  • Continuing Medical Education
  • Medical Library
  • Publishing Services
  • Medical Illustrations

Research

  • Clinical Trials
  • Applied Health Services Research
  • Clinical Research & Trials
  • Nursing Research
  • Translational Research

Giving

  • Donate
  • Volunteer

About Ochsner

  • Mission & Vision
  • History
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Annual Report
  • Outcomes & Honors
  • News & Media
  • Alumni
  • Ochsner Health Network
  • Contact Us

Shop

  • O Bar
  • Optical Shop
  • Ochsner Fitness Center
  • Brent House Hotel

© Ochsner Health  | Notice of Privacy Practices | Terms of Use | Vendor Information

Ochsner accepts all major insurances.

Ochsner is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, founded on providing the best patient care, research, and education.

We are one of the country’s largest non-university based academic medical centers.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Community Needs Health Assessment

EpicMobile Tablet | EpicMobile Phone

newsletter icon

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

newsletter icon

Select the newsletters you'd like to receive.

Please select at least one category to continue.

Curious about our newsletters?

View details for each edition
newsletter icon

Let us know where to send your newsletters.

To Your Health- Food and Fitness:
To Your Health- General:
To Your Health- Men’s Health:
To Your Health- Parenting:
To Your Health- Women’s Health:
To Your Health-Mental Health Monthly":
To Your Health- Skin Deep:

Source:
Source Description:
Marketing Goal:
newsletter icon

You're all set!

We’ll send newsletters full of healthy living tips right to your inbox.

Ochsner Health System
magnifying glass icon
ESC to Close

Begin Typing to Search

Select the drop-down to filter Search by Blog Articles or Sitewide