7 scientific reasons why you’d be happier with a German shepherd in your family
Many of us know intuitively that our German shepherds improve our mental and physical health. A growing body of evidence is beginning to prove what most dog owners already know. Below are 7 scientific reasons why you will be happier with a German shepherd in your life.
Dogs improve your social life.
Most dog owners are aware that having a dog opens up new doors to social interaction. Studies are now proving this fact, however. A peer-reviewed study published in PLOS One found that pet owners were significantly more likely to meet and get to know people in their neighborhood.
“This research suggests companion animals can be a catalyst for several dimensions of human social relationships in neighborhood settings, ranging from incidental social interaction and getting to know people, through to formation of new friendships.” the study reads.
My team ❤️🐺✨
Credit ;IG @meliidrush #GermanShepherd #gsd #doge #puppy #adventuresofduke #dogsoftwitter pic.twitter.com/lnklfRylnv
— German Shepherd (@germa_shepherd) August 13, 2021
German shepherds are good for your heart health.
Dog owners have known for a long time that having a canine companion can keep your heart full, but did you know it can actually improve your heart health? It’s true. In a study published by Harvard Medical School, dog owners were found to have lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels that cannot be explained by weight, smoking, or diet.
“Ongoing research is showing that the health benefits of owning a dog are undeniable. Dog owners have lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of heart disease, than non-owners,” the Harvard report reads.
Just looking at your dog can make you a happier person.
Chances are that if you are reading this, you are well aware that looking at dogs makes a person happy. Science has now proven this. A study by Miho Nagasawa out of Japan looked at what happens in our brains when we are looking at our dogs. What the study found is that our levels of oxytocin (OT) increase when we are looking at our pets. Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter often nicknamed “The Love Hormone” and is associated with empathy.
“We conclude that interactions with dogs, especially those initiated by the dog’s gaze, can increase the urinary OT concentrations of their owners as a manifestation of attachment behavior,” the study reads.
Dogs help you get more exercise.
The benefits of physical exercise on mental health have been well-established. Having a dog, especially a super active one like a German shepherd, increases the amount of physical exercise the owner gets. A study published in Nature concluded the following:
“The odds of dog owners meeting current physical activity guidelines were four times greater than for non-dog owners.”
A cuddle a day keeps the stress at bay
A study out of Washington State University has found that cuddling your pet for 10-minutes significantly reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. This must have been an adorable study to take part in.
“Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact,” Patricia Pendry, an associate professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development, said in a statement. “Students in our study that interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.”
Your dog can help you have a more positive attitude.
The Mental Health Foundation recommends pet ownership to improve mental wellness. They say that pets help our mental health by increasing the levels of physical exercise we get, providing companionship, reducing anxiety, boosting self-confidence, helping us meet new people, and providing structure in our days.
“A pet can be a great source of comfort and motivation. In many ways, pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives,” the foundation states.
German Shepherd Lovers pic.twitter.com/FVgxTJKGf5
— Doggo Info Tweets (@DogFamous24) August 12, 2021
Your dog makes you more loving, and you do the same for them.
Just having a dog can make you a more loving person. This is as a result of increased oxytocin levels, i.e “the love hormone.” Not only that, studies are showing this is a 2-way street and you increase oxytocin levels in your pet as well. A study published by the US National Library of Medicine stated that oxytocin levels increase in both dogs and their owners when they interact.
“Based on previous data from the experiment presented in this manuscript, we have shown that interaction between owners and their dogs results in increasing levels of oxytocin in both owners and dogs,” the study reads.
50 shades of fluff #dogs #GermanShepherd #GoodBoy pic.twitter.com/RHdceicsIR
— Nick C (@nickcox81) August 14, 2021
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