Today’s Solutions: March 13, 2025

Dog owners will attest that their lives have changed tremendously thanks to the arrival of their four-legged buddies. For many people, dogs are more than just pets; they are significant allies in the search for health and vitality.

A healthy heart’s best friend

Dogs are known to provide joy, but did you know they’re also beneficial for your heart? According to the American Heart Association, “owning a dog is associated with a 17 percent lower risk of death, especially deaths caused by cardiovascular disease, which were found to be 20 percent less likely.”

The canine fitness connection

The connection between dog ownership and physical activity is unmistakable. According to Dr. Glenn Levine, a cardiologist, “This is because most people who own a dog will take it for regular walks, and increased physical activity is clearly beneficial to cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular health.”

Cuddles for stress relief

Have you ever wondered why the presence of a dog feels like a warm hug for the soul? Dr. Levine adds, “It is not implausible to speculate that people who own dogs have one more companion, are less lonely if they’re living single, probably have less anxiety. We know dogs are a good ‘treatment’ for acute stress.”

Establishing a healthy routine

Dog ownership comes with regular care routines that provide structure and purpose. Dr. Levine notes that “the sense of responsibility we feel toward our pets can inspire us to take better care of ourselves, encouraging us to adopt healthier habits like smoking less, adhering to medication regimens, and attending medical appointments.”

Sharper minds with a furry friend

Cognition often declines with age, but dog owners are defying the odds. According to Erika Friedmann Ph.D., professor of psychology, “Dog owners had increased cognitive abilities as measured on two tests—the Boston naming test, which assesses language, and the Digit Symbol Substitution test, which correlates with a person’s ability to do everyday tasks.”

Creating social connections

Walking a dog may transform a solo trek into a social adventure. According to a participant in a 10-day British experiment on reducing isolation, “On the days she was accompanied by a dog, she had three times more interactions compared to the days she went about her activities alone.” Dogs become conversation openers, helping to create lasting connections.

While experts agree that adopting a dog should be motivated by love and responsibility, they also underline the importance of creating dog-friendly surroundings in age-friendly communities. From dog walkers to medical treatment, ensuring our canine companions’ well-being contributes to the health and pleasure of their owners. Our animal pals are staunch allies in the joyful adventure of life, giving vigor, joy, and friendship at every step.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

How London’s ultra-low emission zone is successfully cleaning up the air

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM London's expanded Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is delivering remarkable results in the battle against air pollution. According to ...

Read More

Unraveling the layers and complexity of the great force of hate

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Hate—what a loaded term, full of tremendous emotions and complicated connotations. But have you ever paused to consider ...

Read More

This novel drug instructs drug-resistant malaria to self-destruct

Drug-resistant pathogens have been a growing concern in this world for the past few decades. Thankfully, scientists are coming up with innovative solutions to ...

Read More

How citizen scientists are driving tangible change in Australia

Citizen science has evolved as a formidable force in conservation, propelled by regular people's passion and dedication to conserving our planet's irreplaceable ecosystems. Citizen ...

Read More