Pets help with mental difficulties
The fact that our pets make us feel good is generally known. Moreover, it seems that pets can have a positive effect on us even when we have mental diseases. At least people who suffer from those claim that.
Cuddling with Dogs as a Human Drug
Do you also barely resist the temptation to cuddle a dog, no matter if yours or someone else’s? It’s no surprise, a new study shows that such contact with a dog is like a drug for human brain.
The new study now revealed that cuddling with these furry friends has similar effects to our brain as drugs. On the opposite of drugs as we know them, cuddling with a dog has only positive effects. It does not only release the happiness hormones serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin which also reduce the blood pressure and stress level.
Contact with dogs therefore makes our mood better. Are you asking how it works then? A human brain works with one of our senses – touch – in a way that surfaces we touch (or that touch us) are divided into pleasant, neutral and unpleasant. The part of the brain called anterior cingular cortex is responsible for our emotions and then these inputs are interpreted according to their pleasantness. Caressing a dog and cuddling with it then releases serotonin and dopamine which improve the mood and reduce the stress level.
People are sociable creatures and need regular touch that we often neglect with each other or we do not have enough opportunities for it. Our dog companions might help us with that. They will always remind us they need contact and moreover, who could resist their fur, right?
Besides releasing happiness hormones, dogs help us in other ways to live a better life. Thanks to this, we have healthier lifestyles – we have enough physical activity, spend more time outside and get more vitamin D from the sunlight. Sleeping in bed with a dog might also help us to sleep more calmly and it is a great and natural opportunity for bonding.
Do you also belong to those people who can’t resist and cuddle a dog if they have an opportunity? Do you also enjoy evenings on a sofa with your dog with its head on your lap? Do you see any differences in yourself when you compare the time before you got a dog and after? Are you happier and more satisfied now? I, myself, feel calmer.
Related articles
Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad – Oriental Shorthair
This breed, a sibling of Siamese cat, combines charm and elegance with cuddly, extrovert and playful nature.
Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad – Brabant Griffon (Petit Brabancon in French)
Brabants are popular in the world as well as in Czechia. Besides their small size, also their friendly and gentle nature and the fact that they are always in a good mood contribute to that.
What your pets do, when you’re not home
A secret life of pets – that’s how you can call what happens when you close your door and leave. Are you also interested in what happens after that? There is one easy answer: They sleep. But is that really the case?
Has your dog gone missing? Microchips or trackers might help
There’s not a day when I wouldn’t come across a shared post concerning a missing dog on social networks. Sometimes it’s about neglecting its safety, sometimes bad luck. Therefore, using a microchip should go without saying. However, it’s not enough for...
New Zealand: Cats out of law
In some areas of New Zealand, cats are already forbidden and in several decades, you may not come across any in the whole country. Are you interested in what makes New Zealanders create these rules?
Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad – Biewer Yorkshire Terrier
Biewers are typical small terriers with a joyful and sociable nature but they also have typical terrier features such as stubbornness and the fact they bark a lot. These light yorkshires are great companions for families, even though they need quite a...
Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad: Turkish Van
This beautiful and majestic cat gave name to a hair colour and it is the only domesticated breed that is not afraid of water and even can swim well. It has a strange and quite complicated nature and it is usually very dependent on humans.
Five things we unconsciously do and which harm our dogs
All dog owners want their furry friends to have a comfortable life. However, we, as the most passionate dog lovers, may also make mistakes that will harm our loved companions. It often happens even though we don’t realize that. What do I mean?
What today's pets wear - 3 novelties from the world of pet fashion
There is nothing strange or different about dressing our animals today. Whether it's just about fashion or functionality, we meet dogs in clothes on every corner. Today, I chose a few new pieces from the functional clothing category that are worth...
A naked rodent as an ideal pet for allergy sufferers
People suffering from allergies don't have to give up pets, they just need to know how to choose the right pet. For example, a naked rodent can be a good choice if you don't have time for a cat or a dog.
Myths and facts about dogs
Does a bitch have to have puppies before she is neutered? Does a dry or warm nose mean the dog is sick? In the dog world, some people still believe the myths that are going around about our four-legged friends. Let's take a look at the most common...