mental health benefits of owning a dog

Let me know if you liked this post. Owning an active dog is an excellent motivator for daily exercise. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Reviewed for accuracy by Randy Withers, MA, NCC, LCMHC, LCAS. Owning a dog can prompt you to be more physically active—have leash, will walk.This Special Health Report, Get Healthy, Get a Dog: The health benefits of canine companionship, shows how having a dog can also reduce feelings of … Start by checking out our popular articles on Canine Weekly and learning everything you can about your soon-to-be-pet before signing adoption paperwork or making a purchase. Dogs love unconditionally, making their humans feel valued. Fortunately, this list of the mental health benefits of owning a dog shows how much difference a furry friend can make in your life. Dog mental health benefits: “In lockdown, my dog taught me the importance of slowing down” ... but having my own dog has taken my love to a whole other level. They don’t judge a human’s social skills or athletic ability. But dogs aren’t merely entertaining – there are actually several benefits of dog ownership. 10. The Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Dog. On top of that, exercising with your dog will redirect your focus and take your mind off other things. If you deal with anxiety and/or depression, a pup might just be the best medicine. Although the quality of much of the research in this area is variable owing to suboptimal study design and the presence of confounders, we discuss the benefits of pet ownership, including improvements in cardiovascular outcomes and the mental health of children, adults and seniors. Taking care of your dog’s needs shows that you are capable of taking care of another life. The dog is the favorite pet animal. Science has shown that dogs have an overwhelmingly positive effect on our mental health. Human relationships are messy, chaotic, and complicated. They give you purpose, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your social life, provide endless love, and enhance your physical wellbeing. ... Are you aware that there are considerable health benefits from having a dog as a member of your home? Owning a dog helps you better regulate your emotions, improves your social life, and gives you purpose. Studies reveal that playing with a dog can release oxytocin and dopamine, which promotes positive emotions. 3. There have been decades of studies about the physical and mental health benefits of spending time with dogs. Animals help with depression, anxiety, and stress. Emotional Benefits. Categories: Pet Care. It’s no secret that sometimes the world can feel like a cold and lonely place. We simply cannot thrive without it. Often, you’ll find that your problems seem a little less daunting after taking a break and revisiting the issue later. Each day, you’ll need to go for walks so that your dog can exercise. Take 10% off with our link. Some of the best stress-relieving activities simply take your mind off your worries for a while. So, you must think carefully about becoming a dog owner and ensure that you are prepared to deal with the ups and downs of dog ownership. And because your dog will need to go outside at least three times each day, you’ll enjoy an improvement in your general mood several times a day. "A therapist's blog about mental health matters.". Tweet 0. When researchers tracked the recovery of patients who’d suffered from heart attacks, they found that patients with dogs recovered more quickly. Dogs need to be walked and require exercise. You could be less anxious. In fact, growing up with a dog can be greatly beneficial for a child’s development and overall mental health. All this exercise is terrific for your mental and physical wellbeing. However, we’ll be concentrating on the mental and emotional benefits dogs provide today. Amongst humans, unconditional love is rare. © 2018-2021 Randy Withers, LCMHC. It’s a blog about mental health matters, addictions, relationships, and parenting. Leave your answer in the comments below! According to University of South Australia researchers, 90% of respondents said touching their pets was soothing and comforting. It is their unconditional love that makes and keeps people happy. By Nicole Abrego. A pet dog can improve your mental and physical health. A new dog never replaces an old dog. A Guide to the Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Dog. According to several measures, mental health in the United States is facing a steep decline, and there is no indication that this trend will reverse itself. On a somewhat related note, it is important to recognize that dogs are exceptionally good listeners. That means their owners need to go with them. In fact, this unconditional love may be part of the reason that pets appear to reduce stress more than spouses or friends do, in some circumstances. They’re unwavering in their loyalty to human beings. What are other mental health benefits does your tod bring to the table? Dogs have daily, unwavering needs that you’ll have to satisfy on a day-in, day-out basis. Although owning a dog is clearly good for your physical health, you can’t always see those benefits on a daily basis. In the United States, more than 50 million people suffer from depression and anxiety. Plans start at $60/week. Maybe we’ll get her a dog so that she’ll have some way to feel loved and accepted here. Chances are, they’ll let you. Your dog is going to be hungry, and you’ll need to feed it. Your dog may even come to your defense if he feels that you are being attacked. As you engage in these exercises with your dog, your physical and mental health will be improved. Besides the general health benefits of owning a dog, they are natural mood boosters. Dogs will not get mad at you for petty things. Use a human name; anchor text will be deleted. 1. The altruism that you experience as a dog owner promotes healthy habits and improves overall mental health and wellbeing. Benefits include increased self-esteem, a greater sense of purpose, and an optimistic disposition. Responsibility promotes healthy mental wellbeing. You might be surprised at how many ways dogs can improve mental health, helping you to feel better and enjoy a more positive outlook on life. Take this free quiz to find out, then get matched with a licensed therapist with BetterHelp. Loneliness can be a debilitating feeling, which most people wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy. Dog owners know that their furry friends offer unparalleled companionship. And don’t just take our word for it. 5 Reasons Your Kid Should Grow Up with a Large Dog, 10 Extra-Large Dog Breeds For Huge Dog Lovers, The 10 Most Affectionate Large Dog Breeds. Please see our disclosure policy for more details. Petting a dog has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), for example, and caring for a dog releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that calms us and increases our trust in others). ... Pets are wonderful conversation starters, whether you’re walking your dog in the park or posting a photo of your new cat online, a cute dog or cat can help humans connect over their mutual love of their pets and shared experiences of owning a pet. Your dog’s needs will also help you to adopt a regular routine, which can help to not only reduce stress but to encourage a regular sleep schedule, which provides a wealth of trickle-down benefits. At the end of the day, they are the ones who show up for you. Here Are My Top Tips for Dealing with Anxiety? They also provide social and emotional support for – as one study calls them – “everyday people.” So even if you feel like you’ve got everything under control and wake up smiling every day, a dog may help you feel even better. In other words, Blunt Therapy is a blog about the kind of things that people go to therapy for. Disclaimer: All content and media on Blunt Therapy is created and published online for informational purposes only. Walking a dog regularly is an excellent way to keep active. You might visit the doctor less. Owning a pet may increase physical activity. May 24, 2018. In the short-term, exercise produces endorphins and enkephalins, also known as feel-good hormones. Here are some more just like it: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just petting an animal for a short period can boost your mood and sense of well-being! You could have lower risk of cardiovascular disease. If you are having a bad day, it only takes one lick on the face to make everything better. Spending time with your dog isn’t quite as valuable as spending time with other people in this regard, but it is occasionally the only way to combat loneliness.

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