The Dogs Bone

A large number of people around the world benefit from ownership of a companion animal, possibly even more than they realize. Dogs have been kept as pets by humans for more than 140 centuries, and almost 40 percent of Australians and Americans are dog owners. It is obvious that the bond between owner and dog is an important one, or dog ownership wouldn't be so prevalent or have lasted so long. If you are a dog owner, you know that your relationship with your pet is beneficial to you both. But did you know that science thinks so, too? Numerous studies have shown the benefits of pet ownership on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, from aiding in weight loss to providing social support and encouraging physical activity. Some of the interesting benefits of the dog-owner bond are examined below.