Dog Days of Summer

Dry Farm Wines Family: Tucker posing with some fresh white wine

Dry Farm Wines Family: Basil salivating over a chilled glass of natural rosé

“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”

- Charles de Gaulle

Summer is upon us, and with it comes one of life’s great joys: spending the day outdoors with your dog. 

There are few things better than hiking with your pup on a warm evening, playing fetch while you grill, going for a swim in a nearby lake, or just lounging on the couch with a good book and a well-worn bone. 

If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog this summer (or you already have one and you love it dearly), you’ll be happy to learn that spending time with your dog is surprisingly good for you, both physically and mentally. Dogs enrich your life and wellbeing more robustly than you might expect.

Here are some of the health benefits a dog can bring into your life.

Companionship

Dogs have been our steadfast companions for more than 15,000 years. Humans were playing with puppies long before the invention of farming. 

When you consider the millennia that our two species have spent together, it’s no surprise that bonding with a dog does wonders for your mental health.

When you pet your dog, both of you release oxytocin, the same hormone you release when you interact with a loved one. Oxytocin enhances mood, trust, positivity, and a sense of connection (and your dog is feeling it, too). 

That kind of companionship goes a long way. Studies show that people who live alone are far less likely to get lonely, depressed, or anxious when they have a dog by their side.

Dry Farm Wines Family: Olive laying on Jimmy’s lap

Dry Farm Wines Family: Shawn and Brutus plus Rush and Wyatt

Stress relief

There’s a reason hospitals bring dogs in to visit patients. Dogs help you relax and destress. 

Children raised with a pet handle stress in a more positive way, and petting or playing with a friendly dog makes your cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone) drop almost immediately.

Your dog can even tell when you’re stressed. Many dogs become more affectionate when their owners are struggling. Spending time with your dog makes you more resilient to life’s challenges.

Dry Farm Wines Family: Phil taking in the sunset

Dry Farm Wines Family: Brae soaking up the ocean breeze

Heart health

Studies show that owning a dog also reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

Talking to or petting your dog lowers your blood pressure, probably because dogs are such a pleasure to be around. As a result, dog owners typically have better heart health, and they’re less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. 

Patients in the hospital recovered more quickly and completely when they got regular visits from therapy dogs.

Dry Farm Wines Family: Onyx playing on the hammock with Liam

Dry Farm Wines Family: Kona taking a nap under the summer sun

Exercise

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your dog gets enough walks and exercise. It’s not always convenient, but it means you have to go outside and get moving every morning and every afternoon. 

On average, dog owners move for 30 more minutes a day than people who don’t have dogs[*]. That may not sound like much, but those minutes add up quickly. 

Owning a dog means, on average, you’re moving an extra three and a half hours a week. That kind of change makes a big difference in your long-term health.

Dry Farm Wines Family: Grayson taking the easy way out of the hike

Dry Farm Wines Family: Pineau getting pumped for the gym

Happiness

Finally, dogs make you an overall happier person. Dog owners report higher life satisfaction, are less likely to get depressed, bounce back faster from stress and hardship, and lead healthier lives, both physically and mentally. 

Dogs also bring out the best parts of you. Caring for a dog requires responsibility, commitment, patience, and selflessness. It’s a great deal of hard work, but the reward is a loving companion who will be with you for years. 

If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog this summer, maybe it’s time to visit your local shelter. Owning a dog is one of the great pleasures in life.

Dry Farm Wines Family: Rhea enjoying sunshine by the Napa river

Dry Farm Wines Family: Bodie relaxing at the park