Does dog ownership bring health and physical fitness benefits for the owner

Research has shown that interaction with dogs can lead to an increase in beta-endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin, beta-phenylethylamine, and dopamine levels, both in humans and dogs. Additionally, a decrease in cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone, has been observed in humans (J. S. J. Odendaal, R. A. Meintjes 2003). Numerous scientific studies also confirm that dog ownership brings many health benefits, including a reduced likelihood of heart disease. In a study conducted in China, it was examined whether pet ownership has an impact on preventing heart disease. A total of 376 men and 185 women participated in the study. The study found that dog ownership can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels (Z. Y. Xie et al. 2017). Furthermore, dog ownership can impact the circulatory system through increased physical activity during the day. Increased physical activity can have a positive impact on the cardiovascular system. Dog owners are more physically active as they often take walks and play with their four-legged friends. Walks with the dog can also be a great opportunity to meet new people, as dogs entertain each other and owners have time for conversation and sharing experiences.

Consistent physical activity plays a key role in maintaining health, physical fitness, and an appropriate body weight. Movement during the weight loss process aids in increasing the caloric deficit necessary for effectively reducing fat tissue. Additionally, physical activity assists in preserving as much muscle mass as possible, which in turn reduces the risk of the yo-yo effect and makes maintaining results after the end of the weight loss process easier. Research indicates that dog owners usually have less difficulty maintaining the required level of physical activity per day. In a study by H. Cutt and colleagues, it was found that dog owners more frequently (by 57%-77%) meet the recommendations for physical activity than non-dog owners. Although only 23% of dog owners walked with their pet 5 or more times per week, they performed a significantly longer physical activity than non-dog owners. The studies confirm that dog ownership may play an important role in increasing the activity level of dog owners (H. Cutt et al., 2008).

In a subsequent study, the relationship between dog ownership and physical activity among children and their parents was also investigated (J. Salmon et al., 2010). In each group of people who had a dog, an increase in the level of physical activity throughout the day was observed. It can be concluded, therefore, that promoting dog ownership among families may be an effective strategy to increase daily movement for both children and adults. This is particularly relevant today, as the number of people who are not active during the day is constantly growing, due to civilizational progress and the frequent assumption of sitting positions. Owning a dog can bring many health benefits to individuals in all age groups. In addition to improving mood and reducing stress levels, it has been found that the risk of diseases related to the cardiovascular system decreases in dog owners. Furthermore, regular physical activity associated with walking the dog or playing with it supports adherence to recommendations regarding the amount of movement per day.