Buy a Dog To Get Healthy?

By J. M. Graham ("Crabby McSlacker")

Dog ownership appears to have "a positive influence on health," according to a research review in the British Journal of Health Psychology. The author, Dr. Deborah Wells, found that while pet owners were healthier in general, dog owners in particular got more of a boost than other pet owners.

She discovered that dog owners had lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer minor physical ailments, and were less likely to have serious medical problems.

Another study of dog ownership and physical activity out of the University of Western Australia found that dog owners were 68% more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity per week than non-owners. People with dogs racked up about 55 minutes more exercise a week.

Possibly, people who choose to own dogs may be somewhat healthier to begin with. But let's assume the benefits of dog ownership are real and substantial. Do these studies mean everyone should run out and buy a dog?

Can't you just see one of those impulsive people who's always looking for a quick fix reading about this somewhere, passing a cute fluffy puppy in the pet store, and thinking: "That's it, I'll get a dog and it will help me get back in shape!"

Let's hope common sense prevails. A dog is not a pill you take to melt away pounds. A dog is a big responsibility. Some reminders:

1. Dogs do not use indoor plumbing.
   Puppies aren't born house trained, and even clever adult dogs are unable to scoop up their leavings, tie them off in a plastic bag and dispose of them. That's your job. Are you squeamish? Gosh, that's just too bad!
2. Most dogs shed, a lot.
   It doesn't help to buy furniture and clothing to match your dog--it still shows up. You can spend half your life vacuuming and the hair will still be everywhere.
3. Dogs need walking.
   When it's really hot, cold, or wet outside, you can head to the gym for exercise. A dog can't. They're awfully clumsy on the elliptical trainer or the exercise bike.
4. There will be vet bills. And food bills.
   And a whole host of other expenses that add up fast. If you're thinking "walking a dog" is a "cheap" form of exercise, think again.
5. You must train them.
   You do not want your dog biting people, barking all night, eating all your shoes, or climbing onto the dinner table. Having sensible conversations with your dog may not actually cure these problems.
6. Dogs need you every single day.
   You can't just ignore them when work gets hectic or you're not in the mood. Nor can you leave them behind with a credit card and a set of car keys when you go on vacation. You have to take them with you, or find a good dog-sitter, or never go anywhere.
7. Sadly, dogs don't live as long as humans.
   Some humans are in denial about this, and think only of the "joyful" aspects of the relationship when deciding whether to own a pet. There will be plenty of joy, but there will be grief, too.

Bottom line: A relationship with a dog can be more than just "healthy" -- it can be deep, life-affirming, even profound. That is, if you want a dog.

If you just want a piece of exercise equipment, then you're probably better off buying a treadmill!

FDA cleared abs belt proven to tone, tighten and firm abdominal muscles. Effective results used with good nutrition plans.