Those adoring big brown eyes. The joyful tail wagging. That delighted ‘woof’.
Dogs offer us companionship and unconditional love. But also, research continues to show the emotional benefits of dogs: they CAN make you happy! Here are five life-enhancing benefits of dog ownership…
They make us more active
Whether you’re walking in the park or throwing a ball around the garden, you’re moving around – and that means burning calories, getting your heart rate up and boosting your mood.
They boost our self-esteem
They make us feel needed and shower us with unconditional love. Studies show that just thinking about our pets wards off sadness.
Petting pooches brightens our mood
Just a few minutes of petting a pooch signals our brain to crank up production of the hormones serotonin and oxytocin – two calming chemicals that make us feel more relaxed. And stroking your dogs fur also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
They increase our social connections
Dogs are conversation starters and icebreakers. Ever notice that when you’re out with your dog, or when you walk by somebody else’s pup – there’s an exchange of smiles, or sometimes a conversation? It makes us feel good when we feel connected to others.
They bring order to our lives
The morning walk, the midday lunch, and the evening cuddles on the sofa: it all helps bring routine to our day. And when we feel like there is structure and purpose to our lives, we tend to feel happier and more productive.
Dogs are more than just cuddly companions – they can do wonders for your wellbeing.
Written by Flora Firth
Instagram: @feelgoodflora
Twitter: @feelgoodflora
Facebook: @feelgoodflora
About The Author
Flora Firth
Flora is on her wellness journey and hopes to encourage you to join her. She’s proud to be voicing the importance of mind health in a world where we’re striving for unrealistic perfection.