7 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Humans (Sorry, Not Sorry)

It’s no secret that dogs are considered to be man’s best friend, but have you ever stopped to consider that they might actually be better than humans in some ways? From their unconditional love and loyalty to their ability to live in the moment and make us laugh, dogs have a lot of qualities that we could all learn from.

In this article, we’ll explore the 7 reasons why dogs are better than humans and why we should all strive to be a little more like our furry companions. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to be convinced that dogs really are the superior species.

7 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Humans

You may have heard the phrase “dogs are man’s best friend,” but have you ever considered that dogs may actually be better than humans altogether? Here are seven reasons why dogs reign supreme over humans:

1. Unconditional Love and Loyalty

When it comes to love and loyalty, dogs are in a league of their own. They are known for their unwavering devotion to their owners, and their love is truly unconditional. Here are a few reasons why:

1. They are always happy to see you: No matter how long you’ve been gone, your dog will greet you with wagging tail, excited barks, and lots of kisses. They don’t care if you’ve had a bad day or if you’re not feeling well – they just want to be near you and show you how much they love you.
2. They never judge you: Dogs don’t care about your appearance, your job, or your social status. They love you for who you are, flaws and all. They don’t hold grudges or keep score, and they never criticize or belittle you. They are always there to offer comfort and support, no matter what.
3. They protect you: Dogs have a strong instinct to protect their owners from harm. They will bark, growl, or even attack if they sense that you are in danger. They are fiercely loyal and will put themselves in harm’s way to keep you safe.
4. They are always by your side: Dogs are pack animals, and they crave companionship. They love to be near their owners and will follow you from room to room or even sit outside the bathroom door while you shower. They are happiest when they are with you, and they will never leave your side.
5. They listen without judgment: Dogs are great listeners. They will sit quietly and let you talk without interrupting or judging you. They don’t offer unsolicited advice or try to solve your problems – they just listen and offer comfort.
6. They forgive easily: Dogs don’t hold grudges. If you accidentally step on their paw or forget to feed them on time, they will forgive you quickly and without hesitation. They don’t dwell on the past or hold onto negative emotions – they just want to be with you and make you happy.
7. They offer unconditional love: Perhaps the greatest gift that dogs offer is their unconditional love. They don’t love you because of what you can do for them or because of how you look or act. They love you simply because you are their owner. They will love you when you’re happy, when you’re sad, and even when you’re angry. Their love is pure and unwavering, and it’s something that humans can only hope to emulate.

2. Dogs Improve Mental and Physical Health

If you’re feeling down, anxious, or stressed, spending time with a dog can be a natural remedy. They may not have a degree in psychology, but dogs are excellent at improving mental and physical health. Here are some ways dogs can help you:

1. Reducing Stress: Dogs are great stress relievers. Spending time with them can lower your cortisol levels, which is a hormone associated with stress. A study conducted by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees who brought their dogs to work had lower stress levels than those who didn’t. ¹
2. Decreasing Anxiety: Dogs can help reduce anxiety levels. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that petting a dog can activate the release of oxytocin, which is a hormone that helps reduce anxiety. ²
3. Elevating Mood: Dogs can help elevate your mood. A study found that pet owners had higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with happiness. ³
4. Lowering Blood Pressure: Dogs can help lower blood pressure. A study found that dog owners had lower blood pressure levels than non-dog owners.
5. Improving Cardiovascular Health: Dogs can improve cardiovascular health. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that dog owners had a lower risk of heart disease than non-dog owners. ⁴
6. Boosting Immune System: Dogs can boost your immune system. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who grew up with dogs had a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. ⁵
7. Providing Companionship: Dogs can provide companionship. They are loyal, loving, and always happy to see you. Having a dog can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.

References
1. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/17538351211215366/full/html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826447/
3. https://hr.unm.edu/docs/ehp/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.pdf
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554
5. https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(22)00149-X/fulltext

3. Dogs are Forgiving and Non-Judgmental

Dogs are known for their unconditional love and loyalty towards their owners. They are also incredibly forgiving and non-judgmental creatures. Unlike humans, who often hold grudges or judge others, dogs forgive and forget easily.

Have you ever had a bad day and snapped at your furry friend? Your dog will still greet you with a wagging tail and a wet nose, ready to show you, unconditional love. They don’t hold grudges or judge you for your mistakes. They simply love you for who you are.

Research studies have shown that dogs have a remarkable ability to forgive and forget. This shows that dogs are capable of forgiveness and are not judgmental creatures.

Dogs also have a unique ability to sense when their owners are upset or feeling down. They will come to you and offer comfort without any judgment. They don’t care about your past mistakes or your flaws. They simply want to be there for you and offer their love and support.

4. Dogs Can Detect Diseases and Save Lives

Did you know that dogs can detect diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and seizures? It’s true! Dogs have an incredible sense of smell that allows them to detect even the slightest changes in a person’s body odor.

Research studies have shown that dogs can detect prostate cancer with an accuracy rate of up to 98%. In fact, some dogs have been trained to sniff out specific types of cancer, such as lung and breast cancer. This can be incredibly helpful in detecting cancer early, which can increase the chances of successful treatment.

Dogs can also detect changes in blood sugar levels, making them invaluable to people with diabetes. They can alert their owners when their blood sugar levels are too high or too low, which can prevent dangerous health complications.

In addition, dogs can be trained to detect seizures before they happen. They can sense changes in a person’s body odor or behavior that indicate a seizure is about to occur, giving their owner time to prepare and get to a safe place.

5. Dogs are Great Teachers of Responsibility and Patience

If you’re looking to learn some valuable life skills, look no further than your furry four-legged friend. Dogs are excellent teachers of responsibility and patience, and here’s why:

1. Daily Care: Owning a dog requires daily care, including feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them. This routine can teach you the importance of responsibility and consistency in your daily life.
2. Training: Training a dog takes time and patience. You must be consistent with your commands and rewards to ensure that your dog understands what you are asking of them. This process can teach you the value of persistence and patience.
3. Empathy: Dogs are incredibly intuitive creatures and can sense when their owners are upset or in distress. Caring for a dog can teach you empathy and how to be more in tune with the emotions of those around you.
4. Time Management: Owning a dog requires you to manage your time effectively. You must balance your own schedule with that of your dog’s needs, including feeding, walking, and playtime. This can teach you the value of time management and organization.
5. Responsibility for Another Living Being: When you own a dog, you are responsible for their health and well-being. This includes regular vet visits, grooming, and providing a safe and comfortable living environment. This responsibility can teach you the importance of caring for another living being.
6. Patience in Difficult Situations: Dogs can be unpredictable at times, and they may misbehave or have accidents. This can be frustrating, but it can also teach you the value of patience and how to handle difficult situations with grace and understanding.

6. Dogs are Experts at Reading Human Emotions

Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals and have a special ability to read human emotions. They can pick up on subtle cues in our body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions that even we may not be aware of. Here are some reasons why dogs are experts at reading human emotions:

1. Body language: Dogs are masters at reading body language and can tell when you’re happy, sad, angry, or scared just by the way you hold yourself. They can also sense tension or stress in your body and will often try to comfort you by nuzzling or licking you.
2. Tone of voice: Dogs are incredibly attuned to the tone of your voice and can tell when you’re happy, angry, or sad just by the way you speak. They can also pick up on subtle changes in your voice that indicate how you’re feeling.
3. Facial expressions: Dogs are experts at reading facial expressions and can tell when you’re smiling, frowning, or showing other emotions just by looking at your face. They can also tell when you’re making eye contact with them, which is a sign of trust and affection.
4. Empathy: Dogs have a natural ability to empathize with humans and will often try to comfort us when we’re feeling down or upset. They can sense when we’re feeling sad or anxious and will often cuddle up to us or lick our faces to make us feel better.
5. Instinct: Dogs have a strong instinct to protect their owners and will often sense danger or threats before we do. They can tell when we’re feeling uneasy or scared and will often bark or growl to warn us of potential danger.
6. Training: Dogs can be trained to recognize and respond to specific human emotions, such as anxiety or depression. They can also be trained to perform tasks that help people with emotional or mental health issues, such as providing comfort or assistance during panic attacks.

7. Dogs are Always Up for Adventure

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, dogs are the perfect companions. They are always up for an adventure, no matter how big or small. Here are a few reasons why dogs are the ultimate adventure buddies:

1. Dogs love to explore: Whether it’s a hike in the mountains or a walk through the park, dogs are always eager to explore new places and discover new sights and smells.
2. They keep you active: Dogs need exercise, and that means you’ll be getting plenty of it too. Whether it’s a game of fetch or a long walk, your dog will keep you moving and help you stay fit.
3. They’re great at navigation: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can easily navigate their way through unfamiliar territory. They can help you find your way when you’re lost and guide you back to safety.
4. They’re always up for a challenge: Dogs love to test their limits and try new things. Whether it’s learning a new trick or tackling a difficult hiking trail, your dog will be right there by your side, ready to take on any challenge.
5. They’re great protectors: Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their owners, making them the perfect companions for outdoor adventures. They’ll keep you safe and alert you to any potential dangers.
6. They’re low maintenance: Dogs don’t require a lot of gear or equipment, making them easy to take on any adventure. All you need is a leash, some water, and a sense of adventure.
7. They’re great company: Dogs are loyal, affectionate, and always happy to be by your side. They’ll keep you company on long hikes and make any adventure more enjoyable.

Dogs are truly amazing creatures that offer us so much more than just companionship. Their unconditional love and loyalty, their ability to improve our mental and physical health, their infectious enthusiasm for life, and their unwavering ability to be in the present moment are just some of the many reasons why dogs are better than humans.

As we continue to learn from and admire these furry creatures, we may strive to emulate their qualities and become better humans. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate our four-legged friends and the positive impact they have on our lives.