It is ‘national take your dog to work day’ in the US. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers across the US have been working from home. And that means practically every pet dog will be part of the tradition this year. 

On account of ‘take your dog to work day’, here are four reasons you should have a pet dog:

Dogs help you exercise: Dogs can be the reason for you to take a relaxed evening walk or early morning stroll. According to a 2019 study from the UK, dog owners are nearly four times more likely to complete their daily physical activity guidelines.

Also read | Condolences pour in for Joe and Jill Biden after family dog Champ dies

Cardiovascular health: A study by American Heart Association suggested that dog owners had lower blood pressure levels and better response to stress compared to others. These two factors are decisive of one’s cardiovascular health. Poor blood pressure levels and response to stress can cause cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiomyopathy, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart failure, and many others.

Overall health: According to Fast Company, there are various benefits of having a dog, such as decreased cholesterol and triglycerides, lower risk of depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also improved cognitive function in people with mental illness.

Also read | Loyal dog runs after ambulance carrying its owner to the hospital

You are never lonely: A study from Australia in 2019 found that dogs lessened loneliness by 40%. Also, a survey conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute had 85% of the participants who believed that interaction with pets could reduce social isolation.