Dog owners love the side benefits of dog ownership such as companionship, entertainment and the feeling you get from intense loyalty. But there are also health benefits. Benefits that you easily see when dogs are part of the treatment plan at an assisted living facility, and the children's ward in your local hospital, as well as, at home sharing good times with the family.

No matter what the size or breed of the dog, Americans love their dogs and it's is generally for a lot more reasons that just companionship. Among these reasons, are the health benefits and perks of owning a dog.

Here are 7 Healthy Perks of Owning a Dog

1. Dogs are Good for the Heart. For over 25 years, research has shown that life with a dog in the home provides health benefits. The relationship with a dog can lower blood pressure, lessen frustration and increase virtues such as patience. According to WebMD, the side affects of living with a dog can even boost your immune system. Most of all, dogs are good for the heart in more ways than one.

Studies show that heart attack patients who have a pet survive longer than those without. In fact, researchers say that men dog owners have fewer signs of heart disease -- lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels -- than non-dog owners.

2. You Avoid Loneliness. Are you lonely? Pets are known for their ability to stamp out empty time that can make a person feel alone. This diminishes depression that could lead to unhealthy results.

3. You are More Active - Less Sedentary. Most, if not all dog owners, want to keep their beloved pet healthy and as such understand that they must exercise. That's the big reason why… if dog owners are not active for themselves… they will be active for the sake of their pet… and voila, you add physical activity to what might be an otherwise sedentary life… all due to your dog. A 30 minute walk with your doggie every day can literally save your life.

4. Dogs Make the Best Friends. Your dog can certainly be a great friend; a best friend for many. After a difficult day, your come home, are greeted with enthusiasm, and feel the love all from your happy pet.

Like any enjoyable activity, WebMD reports that greeting and playing with your dog can elevate your levels of serotonin and dopamine -- nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties. Healthy properties!

5. Dogs Support People Who are Sick or Suffer from an Illness. Studies from the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine reveal that Alzheimer's patients are less anxious when there is a pet in the home, and that translates to caregivers, as well.

6. Dogs Can Lower Insurance Rates. Walking a dog or just caring for your choice of canine -- for the elderly -- can provide needed exercise and companionship in retirement years. This means a more physically fit senior. As part of their medical screening process, Midland Life Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio, asks subscribers over 75 years, if they have a pet -- which can lead to lower insurance rates.

7. Dogs Relieve Stress. People in stress mode where harmful chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine negatively affect the immune system, de-stress quicker with a doggie, says a psychology professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Less stress is always a good thing.

If you don't have a dog, maybe it's time to get one, because these are just a few of the health benefits of owning a dog.

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The family dog is not just to amuse the kids anymore. Get the perks of owning a dog.
About the Author

Alexandria Marx is a professional advertising copywriter with two decades of experience helping small business people succeed on the Internet. Working with over a thousand clients while facing injury, illness and diabetes, Marx writes about overcoming challenges to make life the best it can be. Visit DM-Creative.com for help with Web Design and Hosting. Discover Marx's personal perspective about life's challenges on her blog Being Grand.