Can a Dog Improve Your Mental health?
We all know the phrase, ‘A Man’s Best Friend’
It's really no coincidence that owning and caring for a pet, namely a dog, can help our mental health in so many ways. The obvious benefit is increasing your physical activity, there are so many ways a dog can bring joy to your life. Here are some key benefits of owning a dog.
Physical Activity
Walk or run every day. This can be a fun way to exercise and fit the dog into your routine, providing companionship.
Security
Dogs can give you a sense of security, they are often protective of their owners. Simply having your companion with you will bring you a sense of security.
Sense of Belonging
To feel wanted and needed. This can be especially valuable for people feeling isolated and alone, or older people wanting companionship.
Boosting self-confidence
Dogs can improve self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood. Dogs can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won’t criticize you.
Conversation Starter
Dog owners often stop and chat with each other on walks. Other pets can be a way to meet people too: in pet shops, training classes or online groups, for example, adding structure to your day.
Bringing Routine
Feeding, exercising and caring for a pet can help you keep to a daily routine, which can help you feel more grounded and focused. It can give your day purpose and a sense of achievement.
How Dogs Help with Adults and Children with ADHD and Autism
Dogs are not only great companions for people with ADHD and Autism, but they can also help teach children important life skills such as responsibility and accountability. For example, feeding, walking and caring for their health will help your child develop a sense of responsibility. In addition, taking them on walks will help release energy and bring a sense of calm and purpose to children. Furthermore, the unconditional friendship between a dog and their owner is beneficial for people or children with sensory or social issues. Not only does it provide a sense of calm, but it also helps them build social skills with other dog owners.
How Dogs Help with Anxiety
There's no denying that dogs make great companions. But did you know that they can also help reduce anxiety? Studies have shown that physical contact with an animal can rapidly reduce symptoms of anxiety. So if you're feeling stressed out, try petting a dog. This can help slow your heart rate and prevent panic attacks. Dogs are also incredibly intuitive to emotion. Several members of a study conducted by ‘Psychology Today’ reported that their dog would offer them physical reassurance when they "sensed" their pet parent was in a bad place. So if you're feeling down, your furry friend may be just what you need to cheer you up.
How Dogs Help with Depression
Dogs are known to be man's best friend for a reason - they provide an effective coping mechanism for people who suffer from depression. According to a study, it was found that pets, dogs in particular, help reduce anxiety and all participants described their relationship with their dog as positive. Not only does raising a dog physically change your brain chemistry for the better, but it also inspires healthy everyday habits that can reduce the severity of depression.
Dogs promote activity and exercise, which are both essential components in helping improve one's mental health. Something as simple as taking your dog outside for a toilet break can have a positive effect as being in nature has been proven to help with the symptoms of depression. Consequently, dogs are not only good for your mental health but they also improve your physical wellbeing too!
