Dogs are happy, energetic animals that can dramatically improve your mood, and a recent study shows their company is truly beneficial to our health and well-being.
To help pet owners across the country understand the true mental health benefits of owning a four-legged friend and how they can boost your feel-good factor, Dr. Ciara Clarke, Butternut Box’s in-house veterinarian, shares his expert knowledge.
Improve mobility and physical activity.
Dogs need exercise as much as their owners, but we humans can often overlook our own health and need to move. When you spend time outdoors, it can improve mood, reduce stress, and count toward your daily step count, making it a valuable form of exercise.
Dogs are active animals and need regular exercise. The recommended advice is 30 minutes of outdoor exercise per day, although this will vary slightly depending on the size or breed of dog as some will need more.
It’s a great excuse to get out of the house and start moving, which means not only does your dog stay active, but so do you.
Provide companions for life.
Owning a dog means you’ll always have company, be sociable, and feel safe in your home, especially if you live alone. Barking and crackling paws are an instant reminder that you are not alone.
Whether you’re going through a breakup or have lost a family member, dogs are there to help you through the tough times. Being around dogs or even pets in general can also lower the stress hormone cortisol, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and can improve your mental health.
Reduce mental health problems.
Dogs are a great source of comfort and motivation, often helping us live healthier lives without even realizing it, as their wagging tails and furry faces light up every day.
They can also boost your self-confidence. Generally, when people suffer from low self-esteem, positive affirmations can help lift their spirits.
Dogs always offer unconditional love to their owners, with support and loyalty. They are also great listeners, allowing you to let off steam in peace after a hard day.
Improve your social skills.
When you first get a dog and start house training it, Google searches start with many “puppy training classes near me” and “Facebook dog groups” because most people seek advice and expertise from other landlords.
Booking your pet into a dog training class not only gives them a chance to socialize and meet other four-legged friends, but you can socialize too.
Socialization is important to all of us and by creating conversations and discussing favorite interests and facts about puppies, friendships are sure to be formed.
Not only that, but trips to your local park will become a bigger social event after finding a furry companion while you chat with other dog walkers and share your training tips and techniques.
Benefits of owning a pet:
Give structure to your life.
Dogs generally thrive and behave better when they have a structured day. For example, a fixed feeding time in the morning and evening each day is one of the first steps towards a routine.
It is important to know that by applying the dog routine in your life, it also benefits you. Creating good routines for yourself and those around you allows you to be more organized, which in turn can improve your mood as you feel more accomplished once tasks are completed.
So, dogs can help improve your mental health and improve your lifestyle in five ways by providing them with what they need to live healthy and happy lives.
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-04 10:42:52
