Dog Ownership And Germs

Dog ownership has a lot of benefits but the one that is most surprising is people with dogs seem to get ill less frequently and less severely than people with no pets.

In the US we have become so fearful of germs that we tend to disinfect just about everything. The truth of the matter is disinfecting is making us sicker; since our bodies are exposed to fewer germs it is difficult to build up immunities to germs.

Dogs are covered in germs! Having a dog in the house means more bacteria enters the home.  The germs are especially high on pillowcases. When we are exposed to germs our bodies can build up immunities to them.

Dog Ownership Enhances The  Immune System

Dogs are more likely than other house pets to beg for a walk or a game outside. This encourages owners to frequently take a walk or exercise with their dogs. A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found dog owners were more likely to do mild to moderate physical activity during the week than non-dog owners.

Taking a moderately-paced walk for between 30 and 45 minutes daily was found to increase the amount of immune system cells that were present in the body.

Here is the link to the study.

Walking Enhances Your Dog’s Immune System

Walking daily  is one of the cornerstones for a good immune system for your pet. A daily walk or daily outside play with a ball or favorite activity stimulates a dog’s lymphatic system which is part of the immune system. Daily exercise goes a long way toward keeping your dog’s mental attitude positive, and enables the immune system to work properly. It calms your dog and helps reduce stress that may affect their immune system.