As being a fellow dog lover, we’re well aware of how dogs enrich our lives, making us happier and healthier overall. But there are also some benefits of dog ownership that you probably didn't! Aside from being cute and a man's best friend, here are just a few of the countless mental and physical perks of being a doggy parent (many backed by scientific evidence!!! (of course from the biochemistry major).

1. Dogs Turn That Mood Around

Dogs have long been known to make great companions, but did you know that they actually improve your mood? Research has shown that it only takes a mere 15–30 minutes with your pet to feel more relaxed and calm. Playing with your dog also raises your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that are associated with pleasure and tranquility. Psychologists from Miami and St. Louis Universities found that the benefits of having a canine companion can be equivalent to having a human companion. Dogs keep us happy!!!!!!

2. Dogs Are Medicine

In addition to boosting your mood, your dog is also great for your health. Your body reaps a lot of benefits from having your fur baby around. Dog owners have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, fewer heart attacks, and according to a study by the British Journal of Health (2004), dog owners also have the added benefit of having fewer medical problems than those without pets.

3. Dogs Make you Active

An added unexpected benefit of having a dog is that he encourages you to exercise more! Taking your dog on walks and throwing the ball around makes for good exercise. Apart from the dog walking alone, dog owners were also found to achieve more advanced stages of movement compared to those who own dogs and do not walk them. The Journal of Physical Activity and Health (2010) concluded that dog walkers generally walked about an hour more a day than non-dog owners!

4. Dogs are Social= you are Social

Have you ever thought of your dog as your wingman? While your dog may not make you totally irresistible to the opposite sex as this isn’t a movie, having one around helps you be more social, approachable and can help some get over shyness. Let’s become outgoing!!! Doing activities with your dog such as going to pet stores, dog parks, or special events is great for both you and your furry friend, as it is a great way to meet new people and mingle with other dogs and dog lovers. A study by Britain’s Warwick University found that 40% of people reported making friends much easier as a result of owning a dog.

5. Dogs= Less Stress

Another great yet unexpected benefit of owning a dog is that they are masters at helping us relieve stress and feel calm. According to a study from SUNY Buffalo (2006), 240 married couples with dogs were subjected to various types of stressful tasks where they were either alone, with their spouse or were able to see their dog before or after the task. Unsurprisingly, the lowest responses to stress were among those who were allowed to see their dogs. Maybe there should be a mandatory “bring your dog to work” day!

6. Dogs = Stronger Children

Getting your little one a furry companion can be beneficial! We all value our health and dogs can actually help contribute to keeping your child healthy just by being part of the family! According to Science Daily, kids who grow up with dogs in the home have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema. Kids with dogs in the home also have fewer sick days and grow up with higher levels of certain immune system supporters that keep them in tip-top shape as they get older.

7. Dogs Help Us Understand Cancer (#2 add on you could say)

Dogs and humans get the same type of cancer. Science Daily states that due to the similarities in the disease, dogs with cancer can help us to discover more about the disease itself and in turn, we can help advance treatment for cancer in dogs as well. There aren’t any unethical tests or procedures being performed on dogs, the medical field just takes the opportunity to study cancer and discover new methods for treatment.

8. Dogs Can Help Treat Arthritis (go back to 2!!!)

Clearly, dogs are extremely helpful in helping people deal with medical issues. Dogs have been found to be beneficial to people with various medical issues, but especially with those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Dogs help people with RA to move more often and encourage play as well as helping them get their mind off of their condition. Dogs are great motivators to get moving and they sure are good at distracting us from things!

9. Dogs Are Awesome for Kids With ADHD

Pet Wiki and WebMD agree that dogs make great pets for kids diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Your child can release excess energy by playing with the dog and caring for the pet will also help teach your child responsibility. Dogs can also help calm your child. Many therapists have used dogs in treatment as they seem to have a calming effect on both adults and children and help people feel more at ease during treatment.

10. Dogs = a Better Person

We spend a lot of time training our dogs but those furry creatures teach us a lot, too. Having a dog teaches us patience, commitment, and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a lot of responsibility and commitment, and it also teaches us to be more patient and less selfish. You also learn to be less focused on yourself and more patient, as pets can sometimes test the patience of even the most tolerant people.

Maybe this article made you realize how much your fellow much means to you or maybe it's time for you to get a furrry friend of your own!!!