Puppy Love: Why Dogs Make Us Feel Better

Puppy Love: Why Dogs Make Us Feel Better

Posted by Flora Firth | 6 November 2017 | Health & Fitness, Magazine

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.

Now read this...

Posted by Eyes of Lady Wimbledon | 5 November 2024
Recognising when a loved one needs care & when to start looking for care
Caring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with love and responsibility. However, it can also bring concerns about their safety and well-being. Whether your loved one is...
Posted by Eyes of Lady Wimbledon | 3 October 2024
breast cancer screening at New Victoria Hospital
New Victoria Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Self-Referral Screening for Peace of Mind This October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, New Victoria Hospital is highlighting its...
Posted by Eyes of Lady Wimbledon | 24 September 2024
Reformer Pilates in Wimbledon – The Pilates Clinic
Pilates has rapidly grown in popularity across London where there has been a boom in both boutique studios opening and larger gyms offering reformer classes. Reformer Pilates, which uses a...

JOIN MY VIP LIST

Join Lady W’s VIP list for exclusive event invites and more
JOIN LIST
close-link
VIP LIST