Let’s talk about the 4 ways that a dog can help you improve your health and mental health !
Dogs are excellent companions with indisputable qualities. Studies show that those who consider their dogs as members of the family tend to do more activities with them resulting in better physical and mental health.
1- Mental health benefits of having a Dog
Mindfulness is the ability to live each moment as it is and accept it without judgment. It is a component of many relaxation techniques, including yoga, tai chi, forest bathing, journaling and deep breathing. Is it proved to help reduce stress and enhance health.
Now why not upgrade it with a dog and you might just get one of the best wellness therapies recipe !
Dogs are really good at focusing their attention on the present moment. Let your dog show you how to experience the world. Notice how they welcome new smells, sounds, animals, and people. I like when they stop for a moment… to explore the world using their little snout, the wind carry so much information. Each walk is a joyful and interactive adventure for them.
2- Social benefits of having a Dog
Dog owners are less prone to bouts of loneliness, because dogs are known to be affectionate, non judgmental, loyal and consistent. Having a dog create social interaction just by taking him for a walk or by waiting at the vet. People tend to love talking about their best friend.
If you suffer from social anxiety, and always with the advice of your doctor, adopting a dog can be beneficial in managing your stress level. Dogs offer stable support and allows you to open up to the world and to others. Walking your dog is an amazing way to slowly start interacting with the world. If a person starts a conversation with you, you can just talk about your puppy. Sharing the same interest make conversation easier and more pleasant.
> Have you heard of Emotional Support Dog (ESD) ? ESD can be used as part of a therapy by providing support through companionship. They are different from a service animal which require extensive training. They do not have special training to perform tasks.
3- Dog gives you motivation, purpose and create routine.
Daily routines help improve mental health by feeling more grounded and focused. Having a dog requires a routine of feeding, cleaning and exercise. Because they are completely dependent on you, they can create a strength within you that encourages you to get out of bed and move every day.
Your beloved dog gives you purpose and motivation that boost your self-esteem and enhance your wellbeing.
Tips : creating your own reminder that can include these components:
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- Feeding time : vet recommend feeding your dog twice a day.
- Exercise time : where and when do you need to go out with your dog. You can exercise by walking your dog. You can even run and ride a bike with some dogs (a visit to the vet before is recommended). If you work all day, take him for a walk before leaving and give him indoor games like a simple puzzle game of hiding treats inside a special toy, it provides mental stimulation.
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- Reminder for medication for your dog like tick treatment and regular deworming.
- Keep important numbers and address at hand : like emergency vet clinic or vet practice on duty.
- Home chores : regularly clean your dog’s bowl of water and food. Wash your dog’s bed often with pet-safe laundry to avoid unpleasant smell.
- Grocery shopping : plan how long time last the bag of kibbles and treats.
- Grooming your dog : depend on your dog’s characteristics.
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4 – Physical benefits of having a Dog
Dog owners enjoy numerous health benefits by walking their dog. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones. Regular walks with your dog will create a healthy habit for you and your dog.
You are thinking about adopting a dog ?
If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, you must first determine what type of dog is best suited to your lifestyle and this is crucial. Here are some examples of features to consider that will help you determine which is the best dog for you:
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- Gender
- Size : Small, medium or large
- Exercise : Every dog needs regular exercise, but some will require more than others.
- Grooming
- Child-friendly breed
- Age
#adoptdontshop
Check the website of your local animal shelter or rescue group. And do not hesitate to contact them. They will be able to advise you because adopting a dog is a big responsibility.
> If you are having some difficulties at this time, please contact your doctor before adopting a dog. Dr. Carri Westgarth explains that if owning a dog is not seen as a burden, mental health outcomes will be beneficial. And on the contrary, the weight of responsibility can have a negative impact on mental health.
Mindset is key here. Take your time, it might not be the right time, but that doesn’t mean it never will!
IDEAS you can practice with your dog,
- mindfulness meditation while walking your dog. Do you know Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) ?
- Sit Spotting
References :
- https://www.ahajournals.orgKramer CK, Mehmood S, Suen RS. Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2019 Oct;12(10):e005554. doi: 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554. Epub 2019 Oct 8. PMID: 31592726.
- Christian HE, Westgarth C, Bauman A, Richards EA, Rhodes RE, Evenson KR, Mayer JA, Thorpe RJ. Dog ownership and physical activity: a review of the evidence.J Phys Act Health. 2013; 10:750–759.
- Anderson WP, Reid CM, Jennings GL. Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.Med J Aust. 1992; 157:298–301.
- https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/how-an-emotional-support-dog-can-help-in-social-anxiety-disorder-treatment-and-beyond/#:~:text=If%20you%20experience%20social%20anxiety,care%2C%20and%20well%2Dbeing.
- https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals
- Christian, H. et al. Dog ownership and physical activity: A review of the evidence. Journal of Physical Activity and Health 10, 750–759 (2013).
- https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/benefits-of-having-a-dog#:~:text=Dog%20owners%20get%20more%20physical,author%2C%20also%20known%20as%20Dr.
- Westgarth, C., Christley, R.M., Jewell, C. et al. Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog: An investigation of the association between dog ownership and physical activity levels in a UK community. Sci Rep 9, 5704 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-41254-6
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