First heat
If you’ve got a little female puppy at home, first heat might catch you off guard, so it’s not a bad idea to make some preparations ahead.
Dog therapists help reduce depression in children as well as in adults
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.
Related articles
Dogs at work
Domestic dog is the oldest domesticated animal and it has provided accompaniment to humans for 14 thousand years at the minimum. During this time, it underwent numerous changes and a long development. All the dog breeds of today are a result of human...
How to tame a chinchilla? Guard yourself with patience
With their appearance, the chinchillas just attract cuddling. They look a bit like plush toys and their eyes like beads give them a friendly and a kind-hearted look. But don’t let yourself be fooled! These rodents are definitely no phlegmatic pets with...
Dogs and horses
I am not much of a horse person, but from time to time, I like to go horse riding. Usually, I leave my fuzzy friends at home. The presence of horses upsets them. When I was getting my dog fellows, I didn’t think about the fact that not all the breeds...
Dogs may be more similar to humans than we had thought
Like master, like dog. You have probably heard before from someone that your dog fits you very well or maybe even, that you look alike. At least to me, it happens very often. However, that dogs sometimes tend to behave like people and they resemble us...
Why do dogs dig?
If you take pride in your nicely groomed garden and your dog belongs to the category of the so-called diggers, it probably doesn’t make you very happy. However, frantic digging in earth doesn’t please not even us, who wink at a few holes in the grass....
How to train calling with a whistle?
Calling a dog is without any doubt one of the most important commands that the dog should reliably master at any situation. Most often, we call the dog using the command “come”, but we can also emphasise it with a whistle. It pays off mainly in...
Five myths about dogs
I have always thought, that I know my four-legged fellows to their last hair, but there’s always something that manages to surprise me and there’s always a lot to learn from them. Some of the myths are so deep-rooted, that one doesn’t even fall upon...
How do the dogs and cats hear?
Simply put: much better, than us, humans. And cats even hear much better than dogs. But from experience, I can say, that it also depends on what and whom they want to listen to. How is it with dogs?
How to unteach your dog to beg?
Does your dog beg for food at the table? Do they beg even from strangers when you’re at a restaurant? Then you should know, that you are one-hundredth percent guilty of this yourself. If a dog learns to beg for human food, it is an educational mistake....
How to keep your “little bull” busy? With sports for bull terriers, not even you are going to get bored
Recently, my friend has bought a puppy of a Staffordshire bull terrier. It didn’t take long for her to find out, how much energy is hidden in this tiny bitch. And not even several hours long walks weren’t enough to tire her. And that’s precisely what...
Dog Puzzles
When the weather is lovely rather for ducks than dogs for a longer period of time and long walks don’t come into question, my fluffy friends are getting get bored at home and start with their shenanigans. I always try to think of a home activity to...