Chocolates, bouquets, jewelry—finding the best Valentine’s Day gift can be a repetitive experience that’ll leave you pouting in frustration. And if that special lady in your life isn’t the type that settles for anything, it’s a good idea to change things up this year. Once February 14 rolls around, you should wow your significant other with an extra special gift that proves just how much you love her.

You may find yourself wondering, is there a perfect gift that encompasses all the feelings you have for her? What is it? And where do I get it?

We at Petland have one answer: puppies.

Puppies are a wonderful addition to any family. Along with being cuddly and friendly, puppies have numerous benefits that can improve your significant other’s quality of life (and yours too!).

Here are a few reasons to give your partner a Valentine’s Day to remember with a puppy:

1. Puppies reduce stress levels.

Puppies are a blessing during times of stress. We already know they make us happier, but they have this wonderful ability to reduce stress levels through interactions. Just by petting a puppy or knowing that they’re waiting at home can help your partner feel at complete ease.

Lower stress levels can lead to a higher production of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, in the brain. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is often caused by elevated blood pressure levels. And so, your loved one will always feel relaxed and calm with a puppy by their side, making it the best Valentine’s Day present.

2. Puppies encourage exercise and fitness.

Did you know that puppies are fluffy little balls of energy? Yes, we mean it. Puppies need constant activity like playtime or some exercise to release that pent-up energy in their system. Whether your partner chases after their new cuddly Poodle around the house or takes their Golden Retriever on a walk, their body is on the move…a lot.

Even if these activities are brief, all that walking, running, and other physical exercises can add up. Your partner will be able to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week. And to top it off, your partner’s mental health will improve as exercise helps reduce anxiety, depression, and boredom.

3. Puppies can boost your partner’s immune system.

If your partner gets sick often, a puppy may just be the remedy they need to keep the cold away. A study conducted on college students reported benefits to overall health after students petted a dog, as opposed to students that didn’t. Similarly, another study from Japan reported that pet owners made 30 percent fewer visits to doctors.

Pet owners are also less likely to suffer from heart problems due to lower stress levels. Even those who suffer from heart attacks recover faster than those without pets. This Valentine’s Day, you can help keep your loved one’s sniffles away with vitamin C and a furry sidekick!

4. Puppies can improve your partner’s sense of belonging.

As you and your partner juggle with work-life balance, it can get a little lonely sometimes, and these emotions may increase stress levels. A furry bestie with a wagging tail and a charming personality can ease off that pesky social isolation.

Puppies can give humans a sense of belonging through their unconditional love. Your partner’s furry friend will never ask for anything in exchange for their friendship—as long as your loved one plays and cares for them, that’s all a puppy really needs to be happy!

With their puppy, your significant other will also develop higher self-esteem and renewed confidence in their abilities. No other Valentine’s Day gift has this effect on humans the way puppies do!

5. Puppies can detect life-threatening situations.

When a puppy bonds to their owner, they will always display a fierce loyalty towards them, no matter what. In life-threatening cases, dogs have been known to save their humans from dangerous scenarios including detecting cancer and other health conditions.

Your significant other will benefit from having a furry bestie that watches out for them. Once trained, a dog can help their humans stay safe during a seizure or save them from a severe allergic reaction by detecting harmful foods. 

The list of benefits we get from our four-legged companions is endless. Your significant other will appreciate the wonderful gesture of a cuddly fur-baby. Of course, it’s important to make sure your partner (and you!) are prepared to take on caring for a puppy. Puppies need training and attention to be happy and healthy, and owners must be able to meet their needs for a lifetime. If your partner has made it clear that they’re ready, make their dreams come true by bringing home a furry best friend!

Check out our blog, 5 Signs Your Significant Other Wants A Puppy to make sure your partner actually wants a fur-baby this Valentine’s Day!