The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Owning a Dog
Why Dogs are Brilliant for Your Mental and Physical Health.
Owning a dog has oodles of physical and mental health benefits.
Yes, they require our care and time (and this commitment should never be taken lightly) but the payback of owning a dog is immeasurable in my opinion. I have been an owner for 9 years now and know that my lifestyle is calmer and healthier as a result of having my hounds
Here are some of the many reasons I believe that dogs are the best pets for mental health.
Exercise with the dogs
Having a dog gives you the perfect reason for getting out in the fresh air to be active. Walking is so calming and the health benefits of being outside and in nature are well documented medically.
The physical movement of our body aids cardiac health, reduces stress, aids regulation of blood pressure and keeps us fit in body and mind. Many people find exercising their dog helpful with weight loss as it makes activity enjoyable and fun.
Some owners get involved in running with their dog, for example, Canicross, agility training and fly ball. We love taking our whippets to the dog-friendly Parkrun events.
Mental health benefits of having a dog:
There are also many mental benefits to owning a dog including; improved sleep, mood improvement, and relief from the symptoms of anxiety and depression. I love nothing more than getting out and about with my dogs, whatever the weather. I know that without their gentle encouragement the TV may otherwise win at times.
Companionship
There is nothing quite like coming home to a dog. They are ALWAYS pleased to see you.
That wagging tail and wiggling body is the finest antidote to a stressful day. I challenge anybody to not feel happy when they are greeted with this sight. The presence of a dog in the house is extremely comforting and they are excellent company, even if you don't live alone.
Hugging my dogs is my absolute favourite thing to do with an evening and I can frequently be found curled up with a whippet. It is scientifically proven to be good for me!
Stroking a dog is proven to reduce stress, blood pressure, and anxiety due to the release of serotonin and dopamine humans experience through the motion.
It calms the mind. Scientific proof that dogs are the best pets for mental health! There has been a huge increase in the use of care dogs who bring numerous benefits to adults and children in the world due to their therapeutic powers.
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Purpose
Dogs are a significant responsibility for owners if they are being cared for properly both financially and in needing an owner’s time and care BUT the benefits of owning a dog outweigh this.
Dogs give us a structure to our day and a real sense of purpose. The ‘MUST’ of getting up and into the outside world offers a huge incentive and in turn, can deliver the mental and emotional benefits mentioned above.
In the modern world, where we have many people suffering from loneliness, a dog can offer companionship and love and genuinely make people happier. During tough times, having to function for my dogs has been a Godsend for me. They have given me the push to be brave and they always brighten my day.
Doing things for your dog which help them, also provides a sense of purpose beyond just being an owner. Building them an amazing bed area, making them a special meal, and on hot days those DIY cooling mats for dogs we’ve all tried to make!
These things provide our dog with comfort of course, but they fill up our emotions when we see our furry friends reaping the real-life benefits.
Being more sociable
I always marvel at the number of strangers who speak to me when I am out with my dogs.
This just doesn't happen without a dog.
Dog owner’s love discussing their dogs and having a natter about their day. Perhaps it is because a dog takes away the awkwardness of talking to a stranger?
I am not sure why but it really is a thing. Dog training classes and organised walks are also very sociable places where you can meet like-minded humans and potential new friends.
There are so many things that you can do with your dog that will inject a bit more joy into your life. Some might not be up your street but why not try the following;
Dressing up your dog on big holidays - think Christmas Jumpers and Dog and Owner Halloween costumes
Take your dog to the pub - they love being under the table whilst you have lunch, and of course, await any scraps that might come their way!
Go and read to your dog - find a field or a tree, sit under said tree and get lost in a book and talk to your dog, they might not understand it but they will love doing it with you.
Living the Dog-friendly life
My husband and I are big lovers of the outdoors so dog ownership for us has always been a joy. We are not fans of package holidays so travelling with our dogs to remote places means that we get the holiday we loved. We love nothing more than to find empty beaches and watch our hounds run and run. This makes us so happy.
For non-dog-friendly aspects of life, we now have to consider how long we are away from home and this can curtail socialising at times but we always enjoy coming home to those faces!
Be more dog
Dogs have many admirable qualities that us humans can learn from and try to adopt. Watch a dog out on a walk- they love life!
They are extremely loyal and loving at all times and they never hold back their joy at seeing their loved ones. They wear their heart on their sleeve. They jump, run and play all the time and always show the world their true self. They never pretend to be something or someone that they are not.
Dogs always stay in the moment, savouring the now, making the most of what is happening right now. They are not battling with endless thoughts in their busy minds- just what is right in front of them.
They don’t stress about the future or hold grudges, their disagreements with other dogs are brief and simple and they forgive endlessly. Dogs are satisfied and grateful for what they are given and don't compare their lot to the dog next to them.
“Dogs are simple creatures who possess the positivity us human’s desperately need.”
What owning dogs means to me
I always try and be more dog in my approach to everyday life and learn lots from my dogs about how they deal with life’s challenges.
They have brought so much happiness to us as a family and I adore being a dog owner. I know that my own health benefits from having my dogs, both mentally and physically and in brief, they simply make me very happy.
Melanie Varey is the owner of 2 dogs and a blog all about living with them!