Tuesday (March 20) will see the world come together for the International Day of Happiness.

A day to celebrate all the things that make us smile and feel that little bit better every day.

From spending time with family and friends to getting outdoors and enjoying your favourite walk or cycle, there is a whole lot of things that can make us happy. But number one for many people is their furry four-legged friends.

Our dogs can bring us happiness every day, after all there is a reason they are called ‘man’s best friend’! With their quirky personalities and loving nature they never fail to put a smile on our faces. According to a recent study commissioned by Lintbells, manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, dog owners are happier, more satisfied at work and more sociable than those without a canine companion.

1,000 dog owners and 1,000 adults without a dog were polled and it found that 80 per cent with a dog are ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’ with their life overall, that’s 10 per cent more than those without a four-legged friend. But what is it about your furry friend that brings you so much joy?

The team at Lintbells have put together some of the top ways your pooches can make you smile:

Improves your social life

Owning a dog can be fantastic for your social life, offering a great way to get out and meet people. Dog owners are some of the friendliest people out there - they love to chat about their four legged friends with other like-minded individuals. So during your regular walks you won’t be short of conversation opportunities.

Good for your health

There are several proven health benefits of owning a dog, definitely enough to put a smile on your face. Firstly, they encourage you to get outdoors and be active, as dogs require regular exercise and they love to be outside. Walking them daily has huge benefits to you both; getting some fresh air into your lungs and getting your endorphins going is a great way to stay happy and motivated.

As well as this, your furry friends can also aid your mental wellbeing, the research from Lintbells showed that 86 per cent of dog owners believe having a dog can help bring down stress levels.

Their quirky personalities

Just like people, every dog has their own personality and their own quirks that are guaranteed to make you smile. This could be when they throw their toys around the room, pull funny faces or say hello to another dog on the TV; all of which can provide you with some great laughs (and great photo opportunities).

Always loving

Dogs are some of the most loyal animals on the planet and they have so much unconditional love to give. They will never judge you and will be there for you no matter what. From curling up for cuddles on the sofa to running to welcome you when you walk through the door, our furry four-legged friends are big balls of love.

Lintbells allows you to give back to your pet and thank them for bringing you so much happiness by creating natural supplements, which can support your dog in living a happy and healthy life at any age. From nose to tail natural health, Lintbells offers supplements to support their joints, skin & coat, digestion and even helps keep them happy and playful with YuCALM Dog.