How Dogs Improve Your Mental Health

by Jenifer L. Content Writer, Web Developer,

If you are a pet parent, you would know how pets give you unconditional love and support. Spending time with dogs have been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, exhaustion and pain for humans. Below, find out more about how spending time with dogs could benefit people with mental health problems.

They Build A Routine

Routines can be a great framework for anyone suffering from depression or anxiety – but they are extremely significant for people with autism. Dogs need regular feeding, exercise and care, with all the requirements that contribute to having a healthy routine. Some research shows that, for people with autism, dogs can reduce sensory sensitivity, stereotyping behavior, and increase the ability and desire to socialize with others.

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Encourages Exercise

People need to exercise on daily basis- at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day- to ensure optimum health. Dogs should also exercise regularly (everyday, if possible) as long as their age and health status allows. Daily exercise can deliver mental and physical benefits to both of you, including improving cardiovascular health and reducing anxiety.

Providing Companionship

Bonding can prevent disease and even let you live longer , while loneliness and isolation can lead to signs of depression. Caring for a living pet can help make you feel important and loved, and take the focus away from your troubles, particularly if you live alone. Most dog parents talk to their pets, many also use them to work through their problems. Hardly anything beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or a cuddly dog.

Great Therapists

Animal bonding is necessary for individuals facing depression and other anxiety disorders. Pets can also help improve the standard of living for people with autism and help children learn to read. In fact, there's almost nothing a pet can do about helping others.

Help with Stress Management

It has been shown that people with pets may be effectively able to handle stress. Not only do dogs provide greater self-esteem, improved communication skills and greater understanding of compassion, pets can benefit from animal-assisted therapy in a variety of therapeutic and institutional settings.

Helps People with Diabetes

A sudden change in blood glucose levels can be very serious for people with diabetes. Some dogs may alert their owner before it actually happens. They may feel the chemical changes in the body that give off a scent. The sensor gives the parent time to eat a snack to prevent an emergency. About one in three dogs with diabetic owners have this skill.

Lower Blood Pressure And Lower Cholesterol

Owning a dog motivates you to exercise with them, whether it's a daily walk or a beach trip. People who have pets tend to have lower levels of cholesterol than those who do not have a pet. Pet owners also have lower blood pressure in general.

They Teach Us Valuable Skills

Pet owners know that training takes effort, time and patience – all that is useful in other aspects in life. But that's not the only thing a pet has to teach us. From enjoying the great outdoors to appreciating the smallest things in life, our dogs really know how to lead by example when it comes to happiness.

If there are any children in your household, your cat or dog will teach them accountability. Try to make your child responsible for a certain component of your dog's day—such as feeding them in the evening or brushing them in the night—and you'll be enabling important life skills that can't be learned easily.

If you are unable to have a pet, try volunteering at a pet shelter or visiting a friend with a pet