Dogs are often associated with cliché phrases: man’s best friend, let sleeping dogs lie, puppy dog eyes, dog days, barking up the wrong tree, puppy love ... and the list goes on. Dogs have a unique ability to get us all sentimental and mushy. It’s a dog’s world, and we’re just living in it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t significant benefits of having a dog.

While dogs may get endless tummy rubs, frequent treats, and our musings on their dignified existence, we receive countless benefits in return — some of which are listed below. We hope this article will act as a resource for you when someone asks why you’d rather spend the evening curled up on the couch in matching pajamas with your dog.

1. Increased social interaction  

It’s easy to see how the company of pets can stave off feelings of loneliness, but dogs can take this one step further by being a bridge in your human social life. When you take a dog for a walk, they become an automatic conversation starter — easing your human interactions and probably making someone else’s day while you’re at it. And this benefit is backed by science. In a review of several studies on people and companion animals, researchers found that when people with mental health conditions were paired with a dog, they felt the pairing was a positive experience. Their furry friend eased feelings of dread and helped them interact with other people.

2. Meeting fitness goals  

Whether you’re trying to get your steps in or wanting to try a new hike in your area, there is a dog partner in crime for you. Studies have shown that people who regularly walk their dogs are 33% less likely to develop diabetes as people without dogs. Not to mention that you are 31% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke if you have a dog. And you might even live longer in general. Dogs: helping you be here for a good time and a long time. 

3. Unconditional love and loyalty

Dogs are deeply emotional, loving beings. When treated well and loved, they return that love tenfold. Their loyalty knows no bounds — sticking by your side through it all because they love unconditionally. This can be a great lesson to us humans that dogs' lives can be enriched by partnership just as much as ours can by their presence.

4. Sense of purpose

When the rat race starts getting a bit too chaotic, dogs are our perfect mediators. Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk and being reminded to stop and smell the roses or coming home after a long, stressful day to see a wagging tail — dogs show us that life can mean a lot more than the modern-day hustle. If there’s any place to look for motivation to keep going, to keep pursuing your dreams and aspirations, it’s your dog. And when the grind can feel pointless, your dog will stare up at you with encouragement.

5. Entertainment

In addition to all the love, dogs can provide a constant source of entertainment. Whether they’re getting zoomies and running around like Olympic athletes or barking in their sleep, dogs have an uncanny ability to tap into our most primal urge to laugh, and they brighten our days when we least expect it. When life starts feeling a bit too complicated, let your dog step in, and we can almost guarantee your day will turn right around.

6. Improved immune system

They say cats have nine lives, but dogs might be able to give you nine. Dogs can keep a person’s immune system active with their fur and capacity to roll in the most despicable things outside. Scientists believe that the variety of bacteria that dogs introduce us to provides immune support that few other sources could. Especially when introduced early on in a person’s life, dogs can even help prevent allergies from forming, and raising young children with dogs can help build a strong immune system.

7. Appearing more attractive

We know, as if you need help. Dogs have a unique ability to provide you with an ice breaker. If you’re in the market for a significant other, dogs can make it easier to talk to strangers on the street when it might be hard to start a conversation otherwise. Additionally, scientists are analyzing how even just standing in public spaces with dogs can give you a more relaxed and approachable demeanor. Though it can’t be determined for certain, there are many people who anecdotally can attest that seeing someone with a dog makes them so much more attractive. Even if it is just circumstantial, we hope you can walk a little taller knowing that someone special could be waiting just down the block.

8. Helping us cope  

When you’re looking for a helping hand (paw), dogs could be just the companion for you. Even beyond emotional support, scientists are researching the extent to which dogs can assist humans with PTSD. While it isn’t exactly proven yet, dogs have been shown to provide distinct emotional support and assist with some simple tasks for people with PTSD. Whether the individual has nightmares that they need help waking up from or they need to be alerted when a panic attack or flashback is coming on, dogs are very attuned to our most minor adjustments and will help accordingly.

9. The greatest teachers

In an issue of Best Friends magazine, Best Friends co-founder Faith Malone writes, “Victor was an older dog who had spent most of his life on a chain. He was terrified of thunder, his coat was thin and dry, and he had a pronounced curvature in his spine, but he commanded respect from all the dogs at Dogtown. In the human world, he would be easy to victimize. His fear, his appearance, and his age could all be used against him, and yet the dogs saw through all of that to an inner strength.” What a beautiful reminder of how important it is to respect one another.

In addition to their kindness, dogs can teach us all sorts of life lessons — like those of loyalty and devotion. Whether they’re assisting humans with daily tasks or keeping us safe from harm, dogs never hesitate to stand by our sides. And maybe most obviously, their love is unparalleled. Dogs are such great teachers of what unconditional love can look like.

10. Commitment

Having a dog can be a lesson in commitment — one that’s so rewarding. Dogs teach us that when you nurture and love something, you will be rewarded tenfold with unconditional love and devotion. While getting a dog is certainly not something to take lightly, if you feel you’re ready for the commitment, dogs will prove to you that you’re right. Commit to them, and they will commit their lives to bringing you joy.

11. Developmental help

Whether you have children or know someone with children, now is a great time to get out the pen and paper. Scientists are gathering more and more evidence about children’s quality of life when they are raised with dogs. Dogs can help developing brains with learning patience, prioritizing movement, problem solving, and understanding responsibility. Additionally, scientists are finding that dogs are great helpers for early verbal development. They can provide a low-stakes way for children to learn how to give directions, and they’re simply just good sounding boards. Dogs are always ready to listen and never judge.

12. Support later in life

In addition to helping kids, dogs can be beneficial at all phases of life, including for older adults. They can help stave off loneliness and provide comfort to those who are grieving, and they have an uncanny ability to make us laugh at the most unexpected moments. This laughter and companionship can relieve stress, which then contributes to all kinds of benefits like improving heart health and brain function. Not to mention if you’re an older adult looking to add a new low-key companion to your life, a senior dog might be a good fit. See your experience reflected in their eyes, and give them the gift of living their golden years in the comfort of your home.

Check out some senior success stories at Best Friends, and then find an organization near you where you can adopt your own gray-muzzled pal.

13. Responsibility

Whether you’re young and living on your own for the first time or you’ve moved further down the proverbial road of life, there is always a lesson in responsibility that dogs can teach us. Sometimes it can be hard to feel motivated to do the most basic tasks. But when you have a dog’s wagging tail and big doting eyes encouraging you, it makes it that much easier to get up and hold yourself accountable. Dogs can be the best medicine because they are a big responsibility that pays off. And when you show up for them, they remind you to show up for you, too. But they’ll still be there to snuggle on the couch when it’s just one of those days.

14. Security

Dogs long have filled the role of protector of our homes — even without us asking first. And studies are showing that even their presence might be enough of a deterrent for anyone up to no good. Experts say potential burglars look for “occupancy cues” when they’re considering robbing a home. A dog barking as they linger outside the house can make them more likely to target a different location. And it might not even matter the size of the dog. Some experts say that even a small dog’s bark can ward off unwanted guests.

15. Mindfulness

We are certainly hard-pressed to find time to live in the present in the 21st century. Whether we’re running from one thing to another or even just thinking about planning the next thing, being able to remain present is tricky. Luckily for you, your dog can help. Anything from a slobbery kiss to a nice game of fetch can help you stay present. In a dog-assisted mindfulness study, researchers found that when people sat and interacted with their dogs, they reported feeling happy and more relaxed and engaged. These feelings persisted even after the interactions ended. Bonus: The people reported that their dogs seemed happier, too.

Now that you know how beneficial it is to have a dog in your life, you want one (or another one, or another-nother one), right?

Whatever kind of dog you like, there is a shelter or rescue group out there ready to help in your search. The staff will have a conversation with you to learn about your preferences in a new pooch — and there are likely dozens of dogs who fit the description and who need a home.

The reality is that every 90 seconds, a dog or cat is killed in a shelter simply for lacking a safe place to call home. While it might seem easier to purchase a dog from a breeder or pet store, you can just as easily find a dog at a shelter or rescue group who meets your needs — and save a life at the same time. The shelter or rescue staff is there to make the process as streamlined as possible and ensure a good match. And often, the dogs already have experience being in a home, so with adoption, you know what you’re getting into.

Plus, if you’re looking for a more economical option, in most cases the dog you take home will already be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. This is all included in the adoption fee — which can even be waived during adoption events or sponsorships.

And when you adopt, you can feel a sense of accomplishment in knowing that your impact is saving two lives at once: the dog you’ve adopted and the space you’re making for your shelter or rescue group to save another dog. It is a beautiful cycle that should fill your heart with joy — yet another benefit of having a dog.

The act of saving animals is healing. All you have to do is look into the eyes of your dog, who loves you unconditionally. How lucky are we?