It has long been said that dogs are a man’s best friend. People often don’t realise just how true this saying can be. Not only are they a faithful companion to us, but their qualities can lie so much deeper than that, if only we explore them further. It’s said that if you are sad or angry, stroking a dog can take the stress away. For those that have tried it, it is a tested truth – but that’s not to say that there aren’t some sceptics out there who cast doubts on doggy healing powers. So just what benefits can dogs give us?
Anxiety Relievers
Just having someone by your side can help with most of the main symptoms of anxiety – it’s about the presence. Having someone who will listen to you, give you reassurance when you need it and give you space to come to terms with what’s going on around you. A dog covers all of these points and so much more. They are able to sit and snuggle with you, won’t answer back to what you’re saying and won’t leave your side when it’s all getting too much. Dogs can sense so much more than we give them credit for, so they know when things are starting to go wrong for you.
Exercise Givers
Your dog is going to need exercising at least twice a day, and this is a great excuse to get out and about. Making sure that you have everything that you need for exercising your pet from Paw Castle can greatly help with your mental health, relieving you of your inner stresses. Improving your physical health by getting out of the house and walking a dog is something that a lot of people take for granted or don’t even recognise; it’s easy to go along with it and not realise the benefits of what’s happening when you’re having fun. A lot of the attention that you would usually put on to working out is actually spent ensuring that your dog is safe and is adhering to the training that you will have set out to them, meaning that time flies whilst doing something that is good for both you and your dog.
Depression Healers
Similar to the anxiety that often comes hand in hand with depression, dogs can do a lot to boost your mood. Their inherent playfulness and eagerness to please brings out a side to you that not a lot else can – it’s hard to resist their infectiously fun behaviour. Children that have grown up with dogs are less likely to get depression as adults due to forming a strong and secure bond in their youth. It’s not too late to secure that bond now and make the most out of your new best friend; they need you just as much as you need them, and the more time you spend with them making sure that they know that they’ve loved, the more they will give back to you in return.
