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.
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.
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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I really feel like this about my cats too
I think it can be true for any animal can’t it?
I always feel better for having been graced with a dog’s presence. Even better if it aknowledges you with a sniff/lick of acceptance.
I can’t have a dog, for several reasons. However, I love spending time with those belonging to other people. I do have cats and woe betide anyone who tells me they are ‘just pets’!
This is the first time in 27 years we are without a dog…. life was very different at first, then a wonderful stray cat turned up who we nursed and took on.. she has been with us for over a year now……. x
Have you heard about the cat distribution system? I’m so sure its a real thing haha!
Dogs are amazing companions and truly a wonderful pet to have
Dogs are great to keep you company, and always make you feel better
Oh I totally agree. I don’t have pets however love having my friends here with their pets. I became very attached to my dear friend dog,
Meg who I had known since she was a puppy. I’ll never forget when we were allowed to start visiting again in Covid 2020 going down to my friends and as soon as she seen me for the first time in month she just ran with the biggest doggie smile you can imagine.
Where she found the energy from I don’t know as she was in the last year if her life. Meg was a black lab so her legs were going.
How helpful to your mental health I know they are. Funnily enough I had my telephone disability assessment online this morning.
My friend came down with her little dog to support me. Her little dog came and snuggled up to me all the way through it. Bless her
We celebrated 3 years since we got our dog this week, I cannot imagine or remember what we did before we got her!!
Dogs are really great to have around, mine dog always comforts me when I’m down and gives me a need to get out for a walk which helps.
I couldn’t agree more about the amazing impact dogs can have on our lives. My 3 bring me so much joy ❤️
Love this! My dog is my best friend and brings me happiness and laughter every single day❤️
Not got dogs but feel the same is true for my cats!
Our dog is now 14 and not in the best of health and we would really miss him for all those reasons
Why would anyone say that? So unthoughtful.
I have never had a pet but I can imagine that loyalty, that unconditional love that a dog gives that can help people overcome the hardest of mental struggles. They rely on you too, their full ownership and sense of responsibility keeps you going and motivated. They see pass your mistakes and failures and only care about the deeper you, the one who is kind, giving and loving, the you that you want to be known for.
Can totally understand the impact pets can have – sadly due to alleries I’m unable to have any
What a lovely post and every word rings true for me. I’d never heard of a Springador but can certainly understand why Millie is the love of your life (bar one, of course!)
Dogs are absolutely incredible, give so much love unconditionally and definitely have an amazing positive impact on mental health
A dog is so much a part of the family, they love you through thick and thin and are great companions. No-one who does have a dog cannot understand the phrase “it’s just a dog”, so much more than that
Our dog brings me such joy and gives me purpose in life. Since I can no longer work, she’s a reason to get up each morning!
I really want a dog and have done for years but hubby says no! I have limited mobility but would love the company as I am at home alone 24/7, he works full time and is very busy with his hobby.