Scientific research has backed up what many pet owners have long known: owning a dog can reduce stress levels in humans. Dogs can pick up and respond to human emotions, provide unconditional love and acceptance, encourage people to exercise, and help individuals cope with depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and other conditions.
How a Dog Can Help You Manage Stress
Studies have found that interacting with dogs and other types of animals can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure in humans. Petting a dog seems to be the primary cause of reduced blood pressure. If you have been struggling to manage stress and keep your blood pressure under control, getting a dog may help.
Dogs focus their attention on humans and have an innate ability to understand and respond to their emotions. This is why therapy dogs are often brought to hospitals and nursing homes. If you had a rough day and you come home to a dog that’s happy to see you, you may immediately feel better.
Animals love people unconditionally and accept them no matter what. Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said about other humans. If you feel that you don’t get the support you need from people, receiving unconditional love from a dog can help you feel less lonely and boost your mood. That may lead to improved interactions with other people.
Dogs require a lot of physical activity. Taking a dog for daily walks and playing fetch in the backyard will make you be more physically active. That can help you manage stress and lose weight, which can improve your overall health and boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Taking a dog for a walk can lead to conversations with fellow dog walkers and neighbors. Having positive social interactions with other people can help reduce your stress levels.
Caring for a dog can give you a sense of purpose. If you’re lonely or depressed, if you recently retired and don’t know what to do with all the free time on your hands, or if you’re going through a rough time due to a divorce or a health problem, having to take care of a dog can motivate you to get out of bed and get some fresh air and exercise. Receiving love and gratitude from a dog can also boost your mood and help you cope with whatever challenges you’re facing.
Get the Right Supplies to Train a Dog
Training a dog is necessary, but it can be challenging. DogWatch of Eastern Connecticut sells several products that can help, including outdoor hidden fences that can keep your dog confined to your yard and indoor boundaries that can keep your pet out of places where it shouldn’t go. We also sell remote training collars, no-bark collars, and leash trainers that can help your dog learn appropriate behaviors. Place an order today.
