One of the reasons why dogs have therapeutic effects is because they fulfill the fundamental human need for touch. Even individuals who are hardened criminals in prison exhibit long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, with many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time.
When you’re stressed or anxious, stroking, hugging, or simply touching a loving animal can quickly calm and soothe you. Dogs offer sensory stress relief. Touch and movement serve as effective means to swiftly alleviate stress. Engaging in the act of stroking a dog can effectively lower blood pressure and induce a sense of calmness and reduced stress levels. Additionally, the companionship of a pet can alleviate loneliness, and most dogs serve as a great source of motivation for engaging in healthy exercise, which can significantly improve your mood and alleviate depression.
In order to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, adopting healthy lifestyle changes is crucial. Caring for a pet can assist you in making these changes by:
- Increasing exercise: Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run provides enjoyable and rewarding opportunities to incorporate healthy daily exercise into your routine. Studies have shown that dog owners are much more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements, and regular exercise benefits both you and your pet. It strengthens the bond between you, resolves most behavioral issues in dogs, and keeps your pet physically fit.
- Providing companionship: Companionship can help prevent illness and even extend your lifespan, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Taking care of a dog can make you feel needed and wanted, shifting your focus away from your own problems, especially if you live alone. Many dog owners engage in conversations with their pets, and some even use them as a means to work through their troubles. Coming home to a wagging tail can truly alleviate feelings of loneliness.
- Helping you meet new people: Dogs can serve as excellent social facilitators for their owners, assisting in initiating and maintaining new friendships. Dog owners often stop and chat with each other during walks, hikes, or visits to dog parks. Pet owners also have the opportunity to meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.