If you have a dog in your life, you already know that they are incredible sources of joy and happiness.
After all, they're called "man's best friend" for a reason; dogs are loyal and loving even at your very lowest moments, as we saw with the incredible pit bull who saved his owner from suicide.
In other words, dogs are literal life-savers, and they prove it every day by tracking down dangerous threats, and finding help for humans in need.
Of course, dogs also save our lives consistently, on a day-to-day basis.
Little by little, just having them around protects our health, and puts us in better physical and emotional shape.
Those of us who have dogs have probably sensed the impact they have on everything from our moods to our migraines, but it's not just a hunch; dogs really are good for our minds, bodies, and souls.
Scroll through below to learn more about what dogs do every day to save our lives!
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons
#1: They Are All-Natural Mood Boosters
You may have noticed that spending time with a dog instantly lifts your spirits, even on your very worst days.
That's because being with dogs actually helps boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain.
These chemicals are connected to happiness, affection, and contentment.
#2: They Lower Your Blood Pressure
Dogs are almost always in a good mood, which might be part of the reason we stressed-out humans find them so relaxing.
Studies have actually proven that spending time with a dog lowers your blood pressure.
It has a powerful effect on your day-to-day life, and might make you more heart-healthy in the long run!
#3: They Get You Out Of The House
If you're a dyed-in-the-wool homebody, you may find it hard to motivate yourself to get out of the house some days.
There's nothing wrong with that, but you can definitely get in a rut with no good reason to leave the comfort of home.
Fortunately, dogs always have a good reason to go outside, and they're more than happy to bring their favorite people out too.
#4: They Boost Your Immune System
It sounds counter-intuitive, but all of that gross doggy breath may actually be doing your health some good.
That's because, contrary to popular myth, dog mouths are not cleaner than human mouths, but those germs are actually a good thing.
Taking in germs that aren't naturally in our systems strengthens the immune system and helps protect us from unexpected illness down the line.
#5: They’re A Great Support System
When you're going through a rough patch in your life, it can often feel like your friends and social circles just melt into the woodwork.
That's why having a dog in your support system is so valuable; they never let you down in a time of need.
After a bad breakup or a tough day at work, no one will be there to dry your tears as quickly as your pup.
#6: They Can Help With More Complex Health Issues
Dogs aren't just wonderful for everyday health problems, they can also provide therapy for more complicated medical issues.
We all know about seeing eye dogs and service dogs, but canine companions can help with a whole host of medical problems.
Dogs can predict a seizure or a drop in blood sugar, and they have even been known to detect cancer before their humans realize anything is wrong.
#7: They Could Save Your Skeleton
Every time your dog begs for a walk or a game of fetch, she's doing her bit to preserve your bones!
Drinking milk isn't enough to keep osteoporosis at bay as you age; you need impactful exercise too.
Between the puppy eyes and their palpable need to play fetch right now, dogs are like a guaranteed work-out every day.
#8: They Can Soothe Your Chronic Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, you know how unbearable it can be without a hot water bottle or heating pad to get you through it
Many folks who struggle with chronic pain also know that nothing soothes a sore and achey body faster than a warm puppy curled up against your stomach.
Let's just face it; dogs are a medical miracle!
If you agree that dogs save our lives just by being around, make sure to SHARE this list with fellow dog-lovers!
