Life is stressful, but college can be even more so. Especially for students taking insane amounts of credits, students who are working outside of classes, and for students who are involved with busy extracurricular activities.

Stress isn't necessarily a bad thing but too much of it can make it feel overwhelming for many. While yes having a dog might add a few extra responsibilities, the health benefits of dogs far outweigh these drawbacks.

1. Dogs are soft.

We are all drawn to soft things. They're comforting and warm.

2. Petting dogs relax us.

To manage stress, many therapists actually recommend you get a pet. Snuggling with them is comforting, and the calm repetitive motion of petting and dog is relaxing to most people.

3. Dogs make us get moving.

Whether it's running around the house with a laser, playing fetch, or just going for a walk with your dog our animals help get us moving. It's usually fun to take the dog for a walk unless it's bitterly cold and the walk is short. But, then you can always pick up that game of fetch, or tug of war, or chase inside.

4. Dogs keep us happy.

No matter what I'm doing I always notice how adorable my dog looks when I walk into the room. When they're sleeping it's cute. When I walk in and suddenly they pop a little head tilt, I just can't resist how adorable they look. Constantly smiling at whatever dog thing or nap is occurring makes my overall mood lighter.

5. People with dogs recover faster.

It's statistically proven that people with pets recover faster from illnesses! That's a plus for my attendance that is often lacking.

6. Dogs increase our social interactions.

Even though I have a dog, I still stop other people everywhere and ask to pet theirs. Without dogs, that interaction would never have occurred so obviously my dog makes me 10x more social.

7. Looking at cute dogs makes you more productive.

So obviously, if I'm staring at my dog all day, I'm going to be the most productive person on the planet!

8. Dogs are like personal dishwashers.

Who even needs to do the dishes when I have my trusty dog around?

Even though few apartment complexes allow dogs unless they're service animals, I really think that it would be beneficial to so many students to be able to have a dog or even a cat at home. Often in college, we get lonely doing homework or staying up late at night.

A wet nose and a snuggle can solve so many of the problems students face today. And, aside from just the company of the dogs, their ability to get us moving outside, and out of bed in the morning is uncanny and beneficial to my class attendance and punctuality.