It doesn’t matter how young or old you are or whether you reside in a large or small abode or if you’re rich or poor. Owning a dog can seriously improve your life. The scientific studies are out there, and the results are impressive. There are multiple mental health benefits to having a pooch, and our behavioral experts explain how these amazing canines can touch your heart for life.
1. Reduction In Stress/Anxiety
When you bring a pet dog into your world, this wonderful creature has calming effects. They can innately comfort and support you. Human beings have to learn how to do this, but dogs just know.
Dr. Ann Berger, a physician, and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, says that dogs give you one-on-one attention with intention, compassion, and awareness.
2. New Social Responsibilities
Owning a pet also gives you new responsibilities for both children and adults, but that’s a good thing. Being kind to animals and learning how to feed and care for a pet is all about the social aspects of human-animal interactions.
Young kids, especially, become familiar with the boundaries of what’s appropriate to do with a dog and how to have compassion for their pets and other animals, in general.
Our dogs need us to show love and attention, too. It’s a two-way street. Our dogs cannot tell us when they are hurting, so as owners, we must look out for them, and keep them healthy with exercise. For instance, a stable spine is key, and getting your pet the best dog back brace is one way to ensure painless fun and flexibility.
3. Heart Health, Lower Cortisol
Not only do you want to maintain a healthy pup, but your own body matters, too.
When you get a dog, there are also benefits to your physicality, and when you can improve in that area, you’re also gaining a calmer personality.
Dogs need exercise, and you will get some, too. This is good for your heart and maintaining lower blood pressure. In addition, moving about with your dog daily helps to lower the stress hormone known as cortisol.
4. Boost In Mental Focus
Children who have autism or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) seem to have good progress with a family dog. Studies have shown that a canine companion can help kids in several ways, including focusing on schoolwork and other thinking processes.
A dog is loving and stable, helps a child communicate and feel more socially comfortable, and can even help kids instill empathy for others.
5. Remedy For Loneliness
Isolation and/or loneliness are feelings that can happen to people of all ages, but when you welcome a dog into your home, things can change for the better.
Pet companionship delivers affection, loyalty, and love. These beautiful animals can fulfill the need for human touch. Just petting a dog is a great feeling, and having a canine in your life helps reduce loneliness.
6. Instant Mood Lifter
We’re sure that not many would argue with this reason:
A dog delivers that smile on your face immediately. Having a dog around is an instant mood lifter, and plenty of research shows this to be true.
Adding a canine to your lifestyle elevates the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax you. These adorable pets can brighten your outlook.
7. The Thought Of Being Loved
Let’s be honest. Dogs make us better human beings. They can provide for us a sense of purpose, and it’s a beautiful, pure companionship.
A dog expresses unconditional love. These spectacular creatures don’t care if you’re rich or poor or what kind of home you reside in.
You are always loved by a dog, and that’s a really good feeling inside.
The power of a pet is immeasurable, and all it takes is a sweet wag of its tail or a sloppy kiss, and our hearts are stolen. If you’re planning on getting a dog and have the time to give it plenty of love and kindness, that beautiful animal will give back to you in so many remarkable ways and add balance to your soul.
