Our lives and the world we know has changed drastically over the last few years. Covid related isolation, loss and anxiety has created unprecedented levels of depression. Our lives have changed and social events that littered our calendars have virtually been deleted. Many of us struggle to replace those events with things that uplift us and bring joy into our lives. Did you know that dogs are proven to improve your overall well being? Many pet owners would respond with a resounding “well duuuh!” but others who don’t own animals may want to consider adding a dog to their household.
- Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
- People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.
- Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
- Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
- Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
(source: helpguide.org)
Not only do dogs increase companionship, increase exercise and reduce anxiety but they add structure and boost overall vitality. Need to lose a few pounds? Get a dog that requires frequent exercise and walks. Are you a cuddler? Get a dog breed that is known for giving great cuddles. Simply looking into your pup’s eyes has been proven to increase our emotional well being by naturally boosting both oxytocin and dopamine.
Dogs will help you get back out there and add socialization back to your life. An evening at the dog park provides face to face socialization which is especially important for people 50 years and older. While our anxiety may be stronger than ever, the dog park interaction is the perfect bite sized dose of commitment. Some private dog parks like Barx Parx offer park supervision and of course beer and wine which are wonderful ways to smooth social interactions. You can also leave at any time and blame your dog. Looks like Fifi is hungry or tired, gotta go! Ask any parent and they will tell you that using their child as a get out of jail free card is one of the best secondary benefits of parenthood and dogs are a close second!
While saying that adopting a dog is a cure-all for depression may not be totally true, doctors absolutely recommend pets as part of their psychotherapy treatments. The research is conclusive that pet ownership will improve your mental well being. So what are you waiting for? Do some research to understand the commitment that you will be undertaking and decide if a dog is right for your household. If not, get a fish. Just don’t get a porcupine, cuddling is far too difficult. If dog ownership is for you, do some reading to find a dog breed that suits your lifestyle.
Bringing a four legged licky-monster into your home may be one of the best things that you’ve ever done for yourself. 🐾