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Benefits of Owning a Dog in College from Your Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital
Going to college can be a tough time in a person’s life. It’s a time where we often feel overworked, stressed out, and sometimes even completely alone.
Fortunately, owning a dog (or any pet) during college can provide you with an abundance of happiness, love, affection, and friendship. In fact, for many people, the simple fact of having a pet to take care of has countless benefits that can help physical and mental health.
Of course, it’s important to remember dogs require both time and dedication on your part. And, depending on the type of dog that you choose, this could mean sweeping up massive amounts of fur, using lint rollers on everything, and of course, cleaning up after them when they do their business on your neighbor’s front lawn.
Regardless, any dog owner will tell you that the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to taking care of a dog. So, for now, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of owning a dog while in college. Here are just some of the benefits listed by your Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital.
Unconditional Love and Friendship
For a lot of people, college can be one of the hardest periods of their lives. It’s not only stressful, and taxing on your mental faculties, people sometimes find themselves having to move away from home, which often leads to feeling homesick and lonely.
Fortunately, owning a dog will offer you a never-ending supply of love, happiness and affection no matter how bad you might be feeling.
Even if it’s the worst day of your life, you’ve flunked an exam, lost a job, and are more than just a little bit stressed out, when you come home to your four-legged friend, wagging his tail and smiling at you with excitement in his eyes, it will be impossible to keep the smile off your face.
Conversation Starter
Who hasn’t met at least one dog owner that just couldn’t stop talking about their dog?
For these kinds of people, all it takes is the mention of pet ownership, and they’re showing you pictures of their dog, telling you their dog stories, and before you know it, you and Fido have made a new friend.
While we don’t advocate getting a dog purely to meet new people, they truly are an excellent conversation starter.
Furthermore, when you walk your dog, you’re sure to run into other dog owners. And, even if you’re shy, having your dog with you can help ease the tension, and will give both parties something interesting to talk about.
Getting Exercise
Not only are dogs great for offering love and helping you make new friends, they’re also an excellent reason to get off the couch, get outside, and get some fresh air.
We all know that dogs have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. Therefore, by owning one, you’ll have no choice but to go outside for walks. This means no more making up excuses and sitting around in your pajamas until noon.
Having to take your dog out first thing in the morning is an excellent way to start the day with a bit of fresh air. Your dog will be getting the exercise it needs, and, you too will be able to burn off a few calories.
Bonus Health Benefits
Lastly, dogs have been known to offer a few other health benefits as well.
Some studies have shown that owning a dog can bolster a person’s immune system, reduce blood pressure, as well as lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
By now, it should be easy to see how owning a dog while in college can be beneficial.
Remember that dogs aren’t only excellent creature companions, they can also help you make new friends, as well as being sure to keep you in healthy physical and mental shape. If you have any questions, please contact our Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital.