Lounging on the couch with your beloved cocker spaniel might be a lovely thing to do on a lazy morning, but there is nothing you can do once their wet nose touches your skin, urging you to get up and get out for that morning exercise. Indeed, your dog may be able to instill physical and mental fitness in you, even without you knowing. Here are a few things that actually provide positive health benefits of having a cocker spaniel:

Health benefits of having a cocker spaniel: Get fit Together

1. Reduces Mental Stress

Dogs are natural stress relievers, and it’s more than because they are so cute to look at. Dog petting can actually reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. The cocker’s affectionate ways also give a great deal of relaxation to your senses. Your body sees an elevation in serotonin levels when you are interacting with your dog, keeping your anxiety at bay. So, reducing mental stress is considered one of the key health benefits of owning a cocker spaniel.

2. Encourages Physical Exercise

Being an energetic breed, your cocker would be looking to you for their exercising needs (you can find some exercising activities for cocker spaniel here). Statistics actually show that dog owners are frequent walkers than non-owner, and this is because most dogs love to take long walks outside. This is beneficial for you as well, since walking or running with your dog burns calories effectively and can also improve your mental faculty.

3. Increases Physical Mobility

Having a cocker spaniel keeps you moving, even when it’s only to feed or groom them. When you actively participate in pet care, you do tasks that require a lot of physical movement and that improve physical health, and this is actually good for you and your body. Keeping your body moving reduces the risk of blood clot formation, and improves oxygenation of your body organs due to excellent blood flow.

4. Provides Safety and Security

Security and safety are basic needs in Maslow’s theory, and therefore must be fulfilled to gain holistic well-being. Having a service dog in old age, especially if you are suffering from conditions such as phobias or PTSD, can greatly improve your well-being. Dogs unconditionally love and protect their owner without expecting anything in return, and this will ease your worries, making you feel safe and secure.

5. Teaches Play and Relaxation

Other pros of having a dog like cocker spaniels are relaxation and friendliness. Your cocker would get a kick out of playtime, and agreeing to their urging for play can be highly beneficial for you. Playing some fun games with your Cockers such as tug of war or fetch me elevates their mood, which in turn elevates yours as well. Your body produces more serotonin and dopamine, and both these hormones improve your mood significantly and leave you feeling really good.

6. Protects Against Cardiovascular Problems

Studies show that owning a spaniel dog significantly lowers your blood pressure. Aside from this, physical mobility that decreases your risk for blood clots also improves your blood flow, preventing you from developing serious cardiovascular problems. Some evidence suggests that dog owners are healthier and may live three years longer than the non-dog owner. Your cocker is the key to a healthier heart! A great benefit of having a dog isn’t it?

An active lifestyle for you and your dog greatly advances your overall health and keeps you physically and mentally fit. Knowing the health benefits of having a cocker spaniel, Do not hesitate to take long walks or grant regular playtime, because these activities keep you fit and healthy, too.