You Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down
Are you a cat person or a dog person? The feelings are so strong on either side, it's like the Capulets and Montagues. So, to take the Shakespeare reference too far: To be a dog person, or not to be a dog person? That is the question. The answer is "be a dog person"—and these are 30 reasons why.
No Litter Boxes
Dogs do their business outside. Which means no litter boxes to clean, no lingering smell, and no litter tracked around the house.
Play Time
String toys and laser pointers are fine—but when it comes to play time, dogs are the big winners.
They Help Clean The Floors
Drop some food on the floor? Don't worry about it. As long as it isn't chocolate—just call the dog over (if they aren't there already).
They Help Clean You
Get out of the shower and who's the first one there to lick your legs? It sure ain't the cat.
Walks
You know the great thing about having to take your dog for a walk? You get a walk also. Walking is such an important part of maintaining a healthy life and when you have a dog, those walks are a win for both of you. But don't just take our word for it.
Walks
A 2019 study out of Britain found that dog owners are four times more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines than non-dog owners.
Easier To Train
Sure, cats are trainable, but doing so is a whole lot harder than training a dog.
Easier To Train
In fact, one study out of Japan determined that cats do know their name and can come when called...they just choose not to.
Protect Kids From Developing Allergies And Asthma
A very interesting study done at the University of California, San Francisco found that exposing infants to dog dust (dried flakes of dog skin) helped protect them from developing asthma and various allergies later in life.
Heart Health
A report by The American Heart Association endorsed dog ownership as a way of warding off cardiovascular disease.
Lower Blood Pressure
Studies seem to show that dog owners have lower blood pressure.
Longer Life
A large review looking at almost 70 years of studies found that "Dog ownership is associated with lower risk of death over the long term".
Cuddles
Yes, cats will cuddle with you. But there's nothing better than when a dog comes and snuggles up against you with all of the pure poochy love they can bring. And speaking of that love...
Unconditional Love
It's pretty much unconditional.
Welcome Home
Your kids and your significant other won't always greet you at the door when you come home—and your cat couldn't be bothered (unless they're hungry). But dogs are always right there when you open the door and so happy to see you (even if you just went out for 45 seconds to take out the trash).
Reduce Loneliness
All that unconditional love, cuddles, and I'm-so-happy-you're-home energy can't help but make one feel less alone.
Stress Relief
Just petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol.
Happy Hormone
The interactions and bonding we do with our dogs increases the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
Laugh More
A study from the Department of Psychology at St Bonaventure University reported that dog owners laugh more than cat owners.
Better With Change
Dogs are usually better with change than are cats. Whether it's a new house or apartment, or even a new member of the family, dogs will often take their cues from their owners and adapt to the new situation with less hesitation.
Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock
Great Wingmen
Studies have shown that women are more attracted to men with dogs.
Make Friends
Whether on the sidewalk or at a dog park, it really is easier to talk to people with dogs. It makes you more approachable and the pooch is a great conversation starter.
