10 WAYS GREYHOUNDS IMPROVE OUR LIVES

Did you know that according to a national survey of 3,000 U.S. dog parents by the popular Milo's Kitchen dog treat brand — our four-legged friends enrich our lives in surprising ways that we often don't fully appreciate?

• 86% of dog parents say their dog “comforts me immeasurably”
• 71% say their dog “reminds me to seek out more joy in life”
• 64% say their dog “makes me look forward to going home more than anything else”
• 63% say their dog “makes me much more patient and responsible”

In addition to the love and joy they add to our days, Greyhounds actually have a profound effect on our lifestyle and health. Owning or just spending time with a hound can enhance our health, our mood, and even our social life. Here are ten ways our Greyhounds can improve our quality of life:

1.  IMPROVED HEALTH

Statistically speaking, dog owners have fewer heart attacks and a significantly better survival rate one year after an attack. Having a Greyhound may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that talking to and petting our pooches is often accompanied by lower blood pressure and cholesterol and that means a lowered risk for a myriad of different illnesses, as well as quicker recovery from illness. In fact, dog owners who suffered from heart attacks were twice as likely to fully recover as those without dogs!

They are also good for our immune systems.  According to a study by Wilkes University, petting a dog for 18 minutes causes an increase in secretory immunoglobulin A, an antibody that protects against invading germs.

Canine companions have worked miracles with patients, particularly those who have gone through a trauma or are going through grueling physical therapy. Some dogs can detect seizures, cancer, and low blood sugar long before humans can. There’s no reason why Greyhounds can’t be trained to be an early warning system for their owners.

2.  GET ACTIVE

Having a Greyhound improves your physical wellbeing and encourages a healthy fitness routine. On average, people who own dogs get more exercise than those who don’t. Just like humans, pups need regular exercise, often in the form of walks, hikes, or time spent outdoors. The science shows that even a minimal amount of exercise — such as the 15 minute daily walk your Greyhound requires – goes a long way towards improving your overall health.  Next time you don’t feel like hitting the gym, grab a leash and take your dog for a walk instead and reap the benefits!

3.  STRESS RELIEVER

Aside from being unpleasant, stress takes a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Spending just 15-30 minutes with your Greyhound can help you feel more calm and relaxed, reducing stress and increasing happiness. Playing with your pup increases your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and tranquility. So the next time you’re feeling down, grab a toy and spend some time with your pup! That wagging tail will be sure to put a smile on your face.

Those magical, euphoric feelings sweeping over you while bonding with your dog are not just in your imagination. Locking eyes with your furry friend and gazing lovingly into that adorable face triggers the release of oxytocin, the “feel good” drug into your system. Addicting, yes, but harmful? No! This calm and happy high is 100% natural, and available to you as close as your houndie.

4.  MORE ENTERTAINING THAN A SCREEN

Whether it’s roaching, spinning, rooing or zoomies…they are funny, and they love to entertain and make us laugh. Dogs don’t mind looking silly or being the butt of our jokes. As long as tummy rubs or ear scritches follow, they’re pretty much game for anything. It’s all fun, for both of you. There’s never a dull or boring moment.

5.  REINFORCING A SCHEDULE

Taking care of a dog requires commitment, and helps us become more patient and less selfish. Dogs are early risers. Therefore, dog owners are early risers—even if they don’t want to be. He’s not going to take himself for a walk, so if you have to get up, walk him, feed him breakfast, etc, you’re probably awake so you may as well start your day. Think of how unproductive you would be if your dog wasn’t around to drag you out of bed to get started with your busy day. Also we pay attention to when we need to return home when we’re out and about.

6.  IMPROVED SLEEP

While having your Greyhound sleep with you sounds counterproductive to a good night’s rest, sleep experts have found that sleeping in the same room as your dog can actually help you drift off more quickly. They attribute this to the added sense of comfort and security dog owners get from their pooch’s presence.

7.  RESPONSIBILITY

The responsibility, patience, selflessness, and commitment that comes with having a dog makes us stronger, all-around better people. Caring for a canine is a big commitment – one that may last a decade or longer – that forces you to be dependable, structured and sensible. After all, your dog depends on you for survival! Having responsibility lends your life a greater sense of purpose, ultimately improving your wellbeing.

8.  COMFORT

Dogs are highly attuned to their human companions’ emotions. They can detect when we’re sad and seem to know just how to make us feel better — whether with a cuddle or just by acting silly. 79% of dog parents say their dog actively tries to comfort them. Your Greyhound can help you cope with depression. Dogs require you to care for another living thing and they make great listeners — both things that help those going through tough times.

Happiness is contagious, even across species. When you see your pup as joyful and carefree as can be, it’s pretty difficult to resist feeling the same way. Petting a dog who loves the attention creates a positive feedback loop that can’t help but improve your overall mood.

People who suffer from fibromyalgia and other temperature-regulation conditions get heat therapy relief from cuddling dogs.

9.  SOCIAL FACILITATOR

Greyhounds help increase social interactions. Adopting a Greyhound means automatic membership in the community of people who love Greyhounds. Even going on a walk in the neighborhood can bring many friends and start many conversations! “Is that a Greyhound??”  Between obedience classes, play dates, and hanging out in your neighborhood, owning a dog provides plenty of chances for you to be social. Dogs can give you and a stranger something to bond over instantly, making social interactions much less awkward and much more enjoyable.

For the single guy or gal, dogs are the ultimate ‘wingmen.’ 66% of women and 59% of men say they’re more attracted to people who have dogs . When the dog is the focus so human interaction awkwardness is taken out of the equation. “What a cute dog! What’s his name?” See how simple that conversation started? Now, it only seems polite to introduce yourself and ask what their name is. Dogs help us better understand the nature of unconditional love, which in turn makes us more loving towards our human partners.

Have you ever used your pup as an excuse to leave that boring party?  “Got to feed/potty the dog!”  or the neighbor we were able to avoid because “the dog needs his walk, sorry!” Ah, dogs. They’re a handy excuse always at the ready.

10. COMPANIONSHIP

Last but not least, dogs love unconditionally. They’re always happy to see you when you come home, and manage to make mundane activities more enjoyable. Many people love their Greyhounds so much that they consider them a part of their family, and for good reason! Dogs boost your mood, lower blood pressure, calm you down, and ensure that you never feel alone. Simply spending time with your Greyhound can make your day a little better. No wonder dogs are known as man’s best friend!