October 10 is World Mental Health Day and, more than ever, many are realizing the importance of mental health, especially after the global pandemic led to isolation and social distancing a few years ago . It’s no surprise that there were more dogs adopted than ever during the pandemic, as many were in need of companionship. There are so many reasons why dogs improve our health, which is why on October 10, we’re featuring the top 10 ways dogs improve our mental and physical health.
Search carried out by NBC News, Scientific journal, International Journal of Occupational Health Management, and other sources have proven what most of us know: our dogs improve our lives and provide us with both mental and physical benefits. It is not a surprise. Most of us pet parents already know this, because our dogs provide us with unconditional love and companionship, improve our quality of life, and inspire us to exercise more outdoors than those who don’t. don’t have a dog at home. Read on to discover the details of the scientific facts that prove why humans are healthier with dogs in the home.
Dog Owner Facts
The Dog People blog by Rover shares interesting facts about how dog parents treat their dogs more like family. Many pet owners admit to keeping dogs at home, even allowing them to sleep in their beds and on their furniture. This mutual love and understanding helps create stronger bonds and healthier, happier homes. We shower our dogs with love, gifts, food and treats. They add to our quality of life. Here’s something fun facts they shared:
- 95% of pet owners consider their dog a member of the family.
- 56% of dog owners say hello to their dog first when they come home, before greeting the rest of the family. (This is probably because the dog greets us BEFORE the rest of the family.)
- 65% of dog owners admitted to taking more photos of their dog than of their significant other.
- 54% of families with dogs celebrated their dog’s birthday.
- Owning a dog increases leisure time and physical activity by almost 70%.
These and other facts have proven what most of us already know: having a dog improves our lives mentally and physically.
10 Ways Dogs Improve Our Mental and Physical Health
1. Improved emotional well-being
It’s no surprise that our dogs also give us a better state of well-being. I’m sure you remember a time when you were feeling depressed or physically ill, and your dog was right there, lying next to you. It’s almost like they have a purpose when their humans are sick. They come and sit next to you, or nudge you as if to say… you count on me. And thus, the beauty of pet ownership is solidified.
2. Improved physical health
If you have a dog, you are more likely to be active. Taking care of a dog takes a lot of effort. Dogs need to be walked and they love to play. If you have a dog, you’ve probably gone for a walk outside or even taken your dog to the dog park recently. No matter how old the dog is, he loves being outside with you. Being outside with your dog not only improves your physical health, but also your mental health.
3. Lower risk of heart disease
NBC News reported on research linking a 33% lower mortality rate among heart attack survivors who lived alone. One study also found that people with dogs had lower blood pressure and were therefore less likely to develop heart disease. Simply playing with a dog has been shown to increase levels of oxytocin and dopamine, which are excellent natural hormones that have a positive impact on our physical health.
4. Makes life more meaningful
Last year, the Pew Research Center looked into the topic of what gives life meaning. In the study, it is the responsibility of caring for pets that is one of the top answers on the list. Not surprisingly, the top answer (69% of respondents) started spending time with their family to give their lives more meaning. After family, there are a variety of sources that bring meaning and satisfaction to life. Other answers that topped the list were spending time with friends and being outdoors. Then caring for animals came after, but before listening to music, reading and religious faith. It seems that in this survey, almost half of Americans agree that taking care of their animals gives them a lot of meaning and fulfillment in their lives.
5. Reduces stress, fear or anxiety
It has been proven to what extent petting a dog for even 5 minutes can relieve stress. This continues to relieve stress as you pet the dog. Compare that to just resting for 20 minutes and researchers found that petting the dog was more beneficial for reducing stress. It was also found when comparing reading for 15 minutes to interacting with animals for 15 minutes, which reduced blood pressure when combined with fear and anxiety in adults.
6. Less stress, more organization at work
According to to a study made by the International Journal of Occupational Health Management, dogs in the workplace have a positive effect on employees. In the focus groups, employees who were allowed to bring their dogs to work were less stressed and more organized than the other group of employees who were not allowed to bring their dogs to work.
7. Service dogs calm, heal and cuddle
Assistance dogs are a great way for people with disabilities to adapt to their environment. It has been proven that adults suffering from PTSD can benefit from a dog to calm their nerves. Studies Show These Emotional Support Dogs provide people traumatized by an illness or accident with the support they need. Children with ADHD and autism have also been noted to benefit from the calming presence of a dog. Sensory overload is sometimes a problem and petting your dog benefits them immensely. Thanks to this discovery, service animals are becoming more common for a variety of reasons. Because of this success, there are a wide variety of animal therapies, such as “Learn to Read with a Dog,” which has helped young students overcome the anxiety of reading aloud when reading to a dog.
8. Improved socialization
Dogs make meeting new people easier. We get out of the house more with a dog. We are also more social beings when accompanied by dogs. Pet parents admit to being more outgoing and friendly when around their dogs. This facilitates social interactions and people are more likely to approach people with dogs as a sign of friendship. What’s the simplest opening line for getting to know someone with a dog: “Can I pet your dog?”
9. Gives us a purpose
Our pets rely on us to feed them, entertain them, exercise them and keep them happy. This is naturally a big responsibility that some of us need. For people who don’t have a large family or live alone, having a pet gives them purpose. This reduces depression and loneliness. Plus, it gives us the laughter we need and the welcome home we want when we’re away.
10. Bring happiness
Unconditional love brings happiness to all of us. If you have a dog, the way he reacts when you come home triggers the love and support that most of us want and need. They add structure to our day, help us meet people, get us moving, and queue up the endorphins of positivity just by being around us in our daily lives. Having a dog makes us more active, gets us out into nature and makes life more enjoyable. All of this means more happiness in our lives. And let’s face it: we could all use that.
No pets, no problem
If you don’t have a pet yet and are considering becoming a pet dad or mom, but think the responsibilities are too much for you, it’s certainly understandable. Start slowly. Go to your local animal shelter and just visit with dogs or cats. There are also new pet-themed cafes or bars that allow people to interact with dogs or cats. Maybe you would be a great pet sitter for the dogs or cats in your neighborhood. See how being with four-legged friends affects you. You may not be ready to have a pet. Or maybe you are. Ultimately, remember that dogs are here to accompany us throughout life. It may not be a magic cure for our ills, but it will certainly make us feel less alone on this journey through life. And the bonus is that you get even more love and laughter from this transaction.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Illness Awareness The month of May is an opportunity to talk about our mental health and heal after several difficult years for most of us. On July 16 this year, every person in every community across the country will be able to call 988 to reach trained crisis counselors who can help you with a mental health, substance abuse or suicide crisis. Learn 988 can help you in a crisis and what it could mean for your community with these NAMI FAQsthe National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Did you enjoy this? Please share it on your social networks. Or like it on our the Facebook page. Either way: make sure you enjoy the health benefits of a dog. If not, this may give you some reasons to add a dog to your home!