How dogs contribute to your health and happiness
Dog is a man’s best friend still rings true. It is a fact that dogs make you happy and healthier. In research done by the American Psychological Association in 2011, it was noted that pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more extraverted, were more conscientious, and tended to be less preoccupied than non -owners. Simply said, dogs make our lives a whole lot better. They make you smile, force you to move /play, and, most importantly, make you feel loved. The feeling of cuddling to your furry friend on a cold day or after a long day at work compares to no other. There is this connection and special bond naturally between dogs and humans that has existed since the taming of the first dog. It comes as no surprise when scientific studies prove that dogs improve our physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s find out how:
Dogs improve your mood
Petting a dog has been studied and noted to release the oxytocin hormone and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Oxytocin also is known as the cuddle hormone or love hormone, is released when you snuggle up to a dog or pet it. This hormone improves your mood by calming down your nervous system, helping you relax. This combined with decreased levels of cortisol, a pet is probably what you need instead of anxiety pills. Studies have also shown that bringing your dog to work aids in social interactions and lowers stress.
Dogs keep you healthy and fit
Dogs love playing. Dogs love going for walks. Dogs love being entertained. This will inevitably cause you to move. Planning on losing a little weight? Get yourself a dog and take him for walks. 3 miles or more. He will surely enjoy it and what’s great is you’ll be exercising in the process while also releasing stress and improving your mood. Let’s not forget about playtime. Dogs could play for hours. The benefits are immense for both you and the dog, from releasing pent up energy to burning up extra fat. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to have heart-related diseases due to reduced cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. In summary, dogs help you lead a more active lifestyle.
Dogs help you be social
Social situations can be very intimidating, especially for introverts. Not knowing how to present yourself, what to say, how to say it. All this can be nerve-wracking. We might have an easy solution for you. Bring a dog to such a setting or when your dog is at the park with other dogs. Its natural your dog will exchange a few nods and gestures with another dog. This is a perfect ice breaker for you and the other dog owner. This simple interaction goes a long way in improving your confidence. All thanks to your furry friend. These are just but a few ways that dogs improve the quality of your life. What other ways does your dog improve your life? It is fascinating, isn’t it? How these original creatures of the wild know, feel, and make you feel loved without saying a word. Show him how grateful you are to him today but cuddling and maybe a little treat!