WHY YOU SHOULD OWN A DOG

Anna BollinOhio University

Benefits of owning a dog◦More social◦More active◦ Can act as therapists◦Health benefits◦ They make us laugh

We are more social with a dog◦Uk research has proven its true◦Dog owners talk to other dog owners◦ Can relate to others with dogs

More active◦ Taking dogs for walks◦Going to the park◦ Playing with dog◦Owners were 34% more likely to get

150 minutes of exercise per week than non-dog owners

Can act as therapists◦ Pet therapy/Animal-Assisted Therapy◦ Can reduce anxiety, pain, and depression◦Many people can benefit from pet therapy- Chemotherapy patients- PTSD patients- Physical therapy patients◦ Relieves feelings of homesickness and depression

Health benefits ◦ American Heart Association says dogs can reduce risk of

cardiovascular disease◦Dogs help reduce blood pressure◦ Lowers our risk for disease- asthma and allergies

Looking at a dog makes you happier

◦Oxytocin raised when interacting with dogs◦ Looking longer in a dogs eyes means bigger doses of oxytocin◦ Research shows dog owners laugh more

Citations ◦ Jacques, Renee. "13 Reasons Why A Dog Will Make Your Life So Much

Better." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.◦  Orwig, Jessica. "9 Science-backed Reasons to Own a Dog." Business Insider.

Business Insider, 26 Aug. 2015. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.◦  "The 11 Science-Backed Reasons You Need to Get a Puppy (Right

Now)." Greatist. N.p., 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.