Dogs and other pets can be beneficial for their owners in terms of physical but also mental health. There is truth in saying that a dog is a man's best friend, stands by his owner even at the most difficult times and his presence can even help deal with mental problems, such as depression or anxiety!
For many people, their dog companions are an endless source of joy. Not only are dogs used in healthcare for their ability to sense serious illnesses, they are also very sensitive to people's mental state and make them feel calmer.
Emotional support
Just the presence of a dog can be of great help to people suffering from mental problems, such as depression and anxiety. It is their unconditional love and touch that can reduce stress levels and release the hormones of happiness.
One of the therapeutic effects is that pets satisfy the basic human need for touch. Stroking, hugging or touching a beloved animal in any way can quickly calm you down when you are stressed or anxious. The presence of a pet also alleviates the feeling of loneliness.
Regular routine
Many pets and especially dogs require regular care, such as feeding and exercise. People who suffer from a mental illness usually do not feel the need to follow a regular daily routine. A dog brings that routine into their life as they have to plan walks, feeding and playing which provides entertainment for the owners and occupies their minds. As a result, this regular and increased activity can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep as well as the overall mental state.
Exercise and fresh air
Exercise and the change of environment is an integral part of the treatment of depression. Dog owners are forced to go for regular walks and occasionally play with the dog. This ensures regular outdoor exercise, which is beneficial in fighting depression and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins - the happiness hormones, which improves the mood naturally.
How do dogs help with anxiety?
Dogs help with anxiety and other mental illnesses in a similar way as they help with depression. Their presence increases the production of oxytocin, which reduces stress and fear, and it also solves the problem of people feeling lonely. This helps with all kinds of mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression.
Support for all ages, including children!
Unfortunately, mental illnesses do not bypass children. However, dog companions provide support for them as well. It seems that children who grow up with a dog have a lower probability of developing these mental problems.
Dogs, as well as other pets, contribute to the healthy emotional development in children. Through play and interaction with a pet, children learn all the important aspects of practical life, such as communication, consideration and care. In addition, children have a friend who provides them with constant emotional support, promotes their imagination and makes establishing friendships with other children easier.
Have you ever watched your cat and asked yourself what it might be thinking? It sometimes seems that these furry friends enjoy situations in which you don’t know if they love your or want to claw your eyes out. They only sit and watch you from a...
These special dogs were bred and raised specifically for hunting of puffins and guillemots (water birds). For this reason, they have several very specific and for their purpose very practical physical deviations. For example, they have extremely...
They say there aren’t many activities as relaxing as fishing. And it’s no longer true that fishing is only for men. When my friend told me she takes her dog for fishing, I was really surprised. And I immediately had to question her about how it...
If you like small dogs, it will be easy for you to fall in love with pomeranians. Not only they look like teddy bears with a nice face and look, they will also impress you with their nature. They belong to sociable dog breeds rightfully. Besides their...
Living with dogs is such a natural thing for us dog lovers that we sometimes treat them more like people. We love them, we nurture them but we may sometimes care a bit too much and unintentionally harm our furry friends. Such cases include wrong fur...
Miniature pinscher is also called min pin or German pinscher. There is a great personality with a big heart inside its little body. It is a big warrior,sports dog and a tourist. Perfect sports for this breed are for example dog dancing or agility where...
Some animals are simply talented for water sports. Already as a puppy, Ricochet grabbed people’s attention for her confidence she jumped into sea waves with. Later on, she became a dog hero helping disabled and a role model for many enthusiasts who...
While in the wildlife, their diet depends on natural instincts, rodents kept by humans and other small animals require a regular and balanced diet. What should rodent’s diet include and what should it avoid? What food is dangerous/safe for it? And what...
If you wish to do sports with your dog, you should at first think about if it’s right for you pet, no matter if you want to do it for leisure or top-level. And not only from the point of view of your pet’s nature but also of its physical predispositions.
Have you ever discussed whether a cat or a dog is more intelligent with your friends? Reportedly, scientists already know the answer. In this article, I mention a few facts and observations from a recently published research paper on this topic.
Cats can handle a new human in your family very badly. They are more sensitive to the changes than dogs. Are you interested in what you can do to enjoy this time and not to deal with the problems with your cat?
Are you considering getting a rodent as your new pet but you are afraid it won’t be doing good with your dog under one roof? Don’t be afraid, dogs and rodents can do great together. It is important to teach your dog from an early age that other animals...
