Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE dogs, especially big ones. Keeping that in mind, I have been trying to convince my husband to let me get a dog. He's pretty much on board but what better to seal the deal than an article on the benefits of having a dog written by yours truly?

1. Having A Dog Will Help You Get More Exercise!

Dogs need to take walks and they love to play fetch. This means that you'll get plenty of exercise taking them on walks and playing fetch with them. Even a 30 minute walk with your dog each day can provide multiple benefits!

2. You'll Stress Less If You Get A Dog.

Several studies have shown that having a dog reduces stress in individuals. I'm sure almost everyone could deal with not feeling as stressed!

3. You Will Feel Safer

A lot of dogs will bark if they sense that anything is off or something is prowling outside. Knowing that someone is there to alert you to anything will make you feel safer at home or even when you're out and about!

4. You'll Be More Social!

People love dogs. So when you're out and about with the furry one then people are going to talk to you and ask to pet him/her. This will in turn make you a more social person!

5. You'll Be Healthier!

Many studies have shown that dogs help keep their owners healthier. Dogs bring in a lot germs, but that helps build up your immunity to diseases. This means you'll get sick less often!

6. You'll Be Happier!

Dog owners are less likely to become depressed. Having a dog means that you have to get up and take care of it so you won't just stay inside all of the time. Even petting a dog makes you happier because it releases Oxytocin in the brain. When you're out and about and people are smiling and asking to pet your dog, you're mood will rise because you're being social and making others happy too!

7. Less Allergies!

If a child grows up in a house with dogs then he/she is less likely to suffer from allergies later on. This is a great bonus for you parents or future parents!

8. Dogs Can Help Detect Cancer

Many dog owners have reported that their dogs were constantly licking or smelling an area that when checked out, was cancerous. Scientific studies have even started to back it up! Also, dogs can get similar cancers to humans and in turn help us better understand and treat it.

9. You'll Get to See Stuff Like This!

These nine benefits above are great reasons to get a dog! If you need anymore check out these websites that I used as reference:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/51153/10-benefits-b...

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-surp...

https://dogvacay.com/blog/10-unexpected-side-benef...