The Healing Power of Pets: How Dogs Can Improve How People Feel Every Day
There is something purely magical about the relationship that exists between humans and dogs. It is not solely the wagging tails and the sloppy kisses; it is the loyalty that dogs extend to us when we need them the most. Whether it is the stress that we are dealing with or the mood we are trying to overcome, dogs are the healers that we need.
Now, let’s emphasis on the ways through which our four-legged friends can help us feel better, heart, mind, and soul.
The Calm in Their Presence
Ever notice how a dog’s calm breathing or nuzzle can calm you down?
Well, it just so happens there is scientific evidence supporting the fact that being around dogs can reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, as well as boost levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding.
This means that the process of petting a dog can actually calm your nervous system. This answers the question of why we always find ourselves turning to the dog when we have had a rough day. The dog’s presence feels like an “exhale.”
More Smiles, Less Stress
Dogs are masters at living in the moment. They don’t worry about emails, traffic, or what happened last week. They just are—and that is infectious.
Spending time with a dog promotes laughter, play, and enjoyment. But laughter is not just something that is enjoyment because it is actually beneficial to the body and the mind. Laughter is an excellent way to improve your immunity and relieve stress. You don’t have to go to the doctor just to take advantage of the boosts that laughter and smiling provide because smiling releases those feel-good chemicals that all of us need.
Companionability That Fills the Silence
We know the pain of loneliness, often in times of change or isolation. Dogs provide a steady, non-judgmental companionship to fill the silent moments. You don’t have to explain yourself or put on a happy face because, with a dog, you are recognized no matter what.
The emotional support it provides is no small thing. For some, a dog may be the reason that gets them out of bed in the morning. Others may provide a faithful listener when speaking is difficult. Sometimes, it is the silence that is so therapeutic.
Movement, Fresh Air, and Good Health
Dogs are not couch potatoes, and this is a good thing for us! The daily walk, quick toss of the ball, or just a spur-of-the-minute adventure into the backyard gets us off the couch. And this is one way to ensure good physical and mental health.
Whether we are taking a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood or running playfully in the backyard, our canine friends are what get us up and moving – and in touch with the world beyond our screens.
Healing Beyond the Everyday
Dogs can be more than just pets for families. They can be a source of help for individuals to live their best lives. Therapy dogs, for instance, visit homes for the elderly, hospitals, and disabled individuals to name a few, to ensure they contribute to the lives of human beings positively.
Their presence in a clinic environment has been associated with decreases in anxiety, improved outcomes, and decreased blood pressure. Furthermore, the pervasiveness of their healing power reaches beyond the home into the areas in which comfort truly matters.
What We Can Learn From Dogs
Possibly the greatest benefit that comes with having a dog has nothing to do with what they offer us emotionally but with what they teach us silently every day:
- Be there: Be in the moment. Be NOW.
- Spread love liberally: A wag, a lick, a hug—spread love liberally.
- Remain curious: Every rustle and flutter is to be sniffed.
- Find happiness in simplicity: A walk, a touch, a meal shared are the good stuff.
- Unconditional love: Dogs love, period. Without expectations and judgment.
- Be unselfish: Lots of comfort, protection, companionship and expect nothing in return.
Dogs teach us that sometimes the act of healing isn’t dramatic. Sometimes healing can be gentle and can even happen through the rhythm of life.
Conclusion
The importance of the healing power of pets, and dogs specifically, is more than just a warm and fuzzy concept. It’s true and it’s based on solid scientific research and the experiences of people from all walks of life. If you’re a dog owner, enjoy companion-time with a friend who does, or simply enjoy their upbeat spirits from a distance, there is no doubt about the comfort these creatures bring to our existence. Their impact is so profound because they teach us to slow down, smile, and simply be – which is some of the oldest and best medicine there is. The next time you feel stressed out, blue, or just need a little pick-me-up in your life, take a moment to spend time with a dog. You will find yourself feeling a lot better after a little wag and a woof.
