The Pet Effect: How Dogs Can Better Your Life

While dogs can often be overlooked as a simple pet, it is proven that they play a much more beneficial role in an individual’s life. Besides companionship, dogs provide much needed mental relief in their owners — serving as a type of emotional support. Due to this, dogs have not only functioned as a best friend, but as a type of therapy for humans.

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all stem from a number of reasons. Living in a time where technology allows us easy access and connection to the world around us, it is reasonable to subconsciously become acquainted with other people’s lives and problems all around the globe. Studies have shown that people who spend most of their time on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms have a 13-66% higher rate of depression than those who spend less of their time on social media. For the sake of our health, it is our responsibility to try our best to rid our minds of these daily mental pressures. Fortunately, help might be closer than you think.

The Pet Effect

Known as The Pet Effect, this bond reflects the extremely positive influence that pets have on an individual’s mental health. Despite their differing stages of mental health, a majority of pet owners have confirmed the positively life changing impacts that come from owning a pet.

It is no secret that dogs already improve our physical health greatly as they force us to walk and exercise when we would much rather stay in bed and binge watch some random Netflix show; however, they also boost our mental health more than we probably realize.

Mental Health

Dogs are proven to serve as the ultimate stress-reliever. A study at the University of British Columbia surveyed students before and after interacting with dogs and the results were as expected: After spending a short amount of time with the dogs, students expressed an extreme decline in their stress level and a boost in their level of energy and happiness. The decrease of cortisol levels (stress hormones released by the adrenal glands) can be explained by humans’ natural inclination towards animals. Since dogs have the ability to quickly attract our attention, we automatically develop a comfort that allows us to be more relaxed and sociable.

Dogs also reduce the feeling of loneliness and depression. Not only do dog owners have a lower rate of depression, but studies have also proven that the simple presence of a dog reduces symptoms correlated to depression. With the presence of a pet in a home, the owner is subconsciously reassured that they are not alone; therefore they are less likely to fall into a pit of isolation. Furthermore, dogs possess the ability to recognize when you are sad or depressed — exhibiting their empathy with submissive body language. So, don’t be shocked when your dog cuddles or kisses you when you’re feeling down!

Socialization

A puppy’s friendly and accepting nature often encourages socialization not only among their owners, but also among other individuals surrounding them. Taking your dog out on walks is not only an excellent way to exercise, but it also allows for the development of friendships between you and other fellow dog-walkers. A study that focused on the relationship between dog-ownership and the sense of community in neighborhoods indicated that those who owned dogs felt more involved with the people in their neighborhood. By simply walking their dogs, individuals became acquainted with long-term friendships as well as romantic relationships. Furthermore, the study reveals that an elevated sense of community promotes healthy aging. Who knew dogs could prevent those dreadful wrinkles?

Self-Worth

Most importantly, dogs grant humans a sense of being and purpose. This is arguably one of the most significant aspects of owning a dog, especially for the elderly and teenagers, since they are the groups who tend to struggle the most with staying motivated and determined. Dogs give their owners reason to get up, go out, and move. By caring for their dogs, owners learn to remain motivated for the sake of their pets. Dogs implement direction in their owner’s life, guiding them towards their desired goals and ambitions. This dynamic not only allows humans to grow and gain a deeper understanding of themselves, but it also enables a more intimate relationship with their dog.

Dogs are tremendously more valuable than some may believe. These furry friends are immensely adorable, but their nurturing nature surpasses their charming image. They openly provide us with an impressive yet rare kind of care — something that we should all cherish while our pups are still around. Whether it is a minute or an hour, spend a little more time with your doggo today. You won’t regret it.

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