How Dogs Have a Pawsitive Impact On Your Mental Health

I’ve been struggling a lot of late and not getting much written so it is with great pleasure today I bring you a post from one of my wonderful friends Laura. She is the blogger behind MissLJBeauty and an incredible mountain biker having just this last year completed the Yak Attack (I’m so proud of her). Much like my Sal did to me, Laura’s dogs bring so much to her and today she shares how her dogs have had a pawsitive impact on her mental health.

Whilst I was walking my dogs I got speaking to someone who made a comment that stuck a chore with me. “But it’s just a dog” The naivety in this comment through me for a loop. You see you might see just a dog but what I see is so much more than just a dog.

Today I want to talk about how dogs can help with your mental health and maybe change that opinion if you are not a dog fan. 

Dogs aren’t just a furry companion, they’re also incredible allies for our mental well-being. I should tell you I would not be sitting here writing this post if it wasn’t for my dog Millie and my Husband but Millie changed my life. I was in a very very dark place before got Millie the springador.

I was deeply depressed and would not leave the house and getting Millie changed all of this. Millie saved my life and I have had 10 years of love from her in return. she was 18 months old when we picked her up. I thank god we decided to get a dog.

We now have two dogs Mylo the dalmation joined our family not long after Millie. 

So Let’s talk about how dogs can positively impact your mental health and overall happiness. Like my dogs did for me. 

Stress Reduction

Dogs are natural stress-busters. Their unconditional love and playful nature can help lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.  This has been studied and proven. Spending time petting, playing, or simply being in the presence of a dog can provide instant relief from the pressures of daily life.

Mood Enhancement

Interacting with dogs releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which can elevate your mood and increase feelings of happiness. Whether it’s their wagging tail, a wet nose nuzzle, or a silly game of fetch,  or them drooling all over your bed, dogs have a magical way of bringing joy and laughter into our lives, even on the toughest days.

Social Connection

Dogs are social magnets, often sparking conversations and fostering connections with other dog owners and animal lovers. I promise you you can not go for a walk without someone talking to you about your dog.  Which is great for social interaction and combating feelings of loneliness or isolation. It can sometimes be these little conversations on a dark day that help you see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. 

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A post shared by Laura Martin (@missljbeauty)

Routine and Responsibility

Caring for a dog requires establishing a routine and sense of responsibility, which can be incredibly grounding and great for mental health. From daily walks to feeding and grooming, having a dog encourages structure and purpose, providing a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

This is one of the things that helped me. taking little steps to get back outside and remembering I have this little life I have to take care of and she needed the toilet so I had to leave the house to do this. It is all about putting the dog’s priorities at the front and not your worries. 

Mindfulness and Presence

There is nothing more grounding than a dog. They live in the present,  They remind us how to be present. By watching their carefree attitude and ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, you can learn to let go of worries about the past or future and focus on the here and now.  It really can be that simple.

Dogs don’t worry about the little things. They want to Walk, play, or cuddle this can bring you peace and help reduce anxiety and ground you back to this moment not the one you are worried about. 

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A post shared by Mylo_traildog (@mylo_traildog)

Nurturing and caring

Dogs are natural caregivers, deeply attuned to our mental well-being. Their nurturing instincts shine through as they offer a comforting presence and unconditional love during our darkest moments. They will cuddle you and sense when you are unhappy. They have more compassion and empathy than any human I know and have an unwavering need to make you happy and comfort you in your time of need. 

There is no doubt in my mind having a dog is good for your mental health and well-being. Dogs are the most caring and wonderful creatures in the world. They are put on this earth to make you smile and bring happiness. If reading this has you thinking about bringing one into your own life, you can shop at HonestPet to find a puppy that fits your lifestyle and household. They really are men’s or women’s best friends and I do not say that lightly. I would not be who I am without my two dogs. 

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