Written by Augustina Tucker

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by troy williams on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered why we say, “A dog is a man’s best friend”? Why isn’t it a cat, a hamster, or a rabbit? Dogs and humans have a unique relationship, and it’s no secret that humans love dogs. Dogs have aided humans for thousands of years. They have provided protection, companionship, and hunting assistance since the beginning. Read on to learn how dogs (not guinea pigs or horses!) have helped shape humanity as we know it.

It is interesting to note that dogs are direct descendants of wolves, and this evolution has been in the making for quite some time. As early as 10,000 years ago, the cohabitation of wolves and humans existed, with wolves aiding with tasks such as pulling sleds, protecting humans against predators, and carrying items needed for cooking and hunting. Dogs would also help track a herd of sheep, for example, and ensure the sheep don’t go astray. They were excellent for sniffing out prey for hunting, farming, and providing protection. An intriguing theory of how wolves and humans became connected is that wolves felt comfortable being around humans and, as a result, could efficiently scavenge leftover food. As a result, a sense of interdependence between humans and wolves came about, and domestication was born. Over time, the relationship exponentially grew, and dogs are now not only used for hunting and protection but for comfort, fun, and good company!

Benefits of having dogs

Dogs are essential to humans in all kinds of ways. There are lots of benefits that come with having dogs as pets. Not only are our furry friends fun to be around, but there are also certain advantages to having dogs, such as:

Decreased stress:

When you pet a dog, your body releases the oxytocin hormone, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and creating a calming effect. In difficult situations, dogs tend to reduce anxiety as they bring a certain notable warmth and charm. Playing with dogs makes us happier and more relaxed. Dogs have even been brought into schools and nursing homes to soothe individuals.

Thriving hearts:

Owning a pet is associated with reduced risks of heart disease. Cardiac Alert Service Dogs are specially trained to detect changes in their handler's heart rate and blood pressure. As soon as dogs recognize that there may be something wrong, they will alert their owners by nudging, barking, or other actions. Dogs are also known for preventing heart attacks. They mitigate the possibility of heart attacks by increasing opportunities to exercise, get fresh air, and socialize.

Vitality Boost:

Need to shed a few pounds? Then owning a dog will be incredibly beneficial. People who regularly walk their pets meet the recommended amount of daily exercise. Dogs have proven to be very helpful in practicing physical activity, and it is also beneficial for them as they love going on walks. Whether walking 5 miles with your dog every morning or running a few kilometers, it’s no secret that dogs can help us achieve our fitness goals.

Cured loneliness:

Pets love to keep us company. Having a dog means you have a friendly companion to spend time with. Dogs encourage playfulness, which inevitably makes us happier. Being needed by a pet can even increase one’s sense of self-worth. It gives us a purpose: people enjoy the feeling of responsibility they get from caring for a pet. Having pets reduces depression; a quick cuddle with them is a mood booster.

Navigating the world:

Dogs are instrumental in completing everyday tasks, especially for people with accessibility needs. They help chaperone people who have poor eyesight, and they assist people who have diabetes or seizures. Many service dogs can sense something wrong and alert their owners, which is handy in emergencies. At airports, some dogs sniff out luggage to find suspicious items; in some cases, dogs can even sniff out cancer in people.

Academic stress? Canines to the rescue!

Dogs can improve our mood and ability to work. University can be stressful, so more universities in North America have adopted a unique approach to helping students deal with stress by providing therapy dogs. Saint Mary’s University is no stranger to this. As finals roll around, therapy dogs are brought in to help alleviate student anxiety. You can find them at the library or student center during different times of the school year. They are usually only around for a few hours, so catch them while you can! University can be a stressful time, and it’s hard to take a moment to breathe and relax when something needs to get done. As a result, SMU brings in these therapy dogs to help students find balance and prioritize their wellness. Interacting with dogs can boost vital skills like memory, attention, and cognition. Therapy dogs can also help students achieve a stronger sense of belonging and better deal with homesickness while lessening their anxiety, putting students in a position to absorb more information and aiding the learning process.

How have humans helped dogs?

“Be the person your dog thinks you are” - C.J. Frick.

As noted before, humans and dogs are interdependent. We have helped dogs as much as they’ve been our asset. While they provide us with love and affection, we ought to give them care, groom them, and fulfill their needs. Dogs must be petted, given toys to stay active, taken to the vet to ensure they’re healthy, and provided food to boost their immune system. As their owners, we must also protect them from harm and ensure they’re warm, tracing back to our prehistoric connection to them.

The dynamic between dogs and humans has always been a compelling one. The relationship between dogs and humans is symbiotic. Throughout history, we have seen multiple occasions where dogs have helped us perform various tasks. Dogs are emotional creatures and can sense whenever our moods change. Not to mention they have a wicked sense of humor! From emotional support to being a play buddy, it’s no wonder dogs are our best friends.

How Have Dogs Helped Humanity?