There’s nothing quite like coming home to a wagging tail and a big, slobbery kiss from your furry best friend. But did you know that owning a dog can do more than make you feel loved?
It’s no secret that spending time with a furry friend can be therapeutic. Dogs have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness and can even increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing. But how exactly do dogs help us cope with stress? And what are the best breeds to add to your lives? Let’s take a closer look.
How Can Dogs Reduce Stress?
Dogs have provided several benefits for their owners, including reducing stress and anxiety. In fact, research has shown that dogs can help to lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as cortisol levels in old age (the stress hormone).
So if you’re feeling stressed out, why not consider getting a dog? Here are just a few ways that dogs can help you with stress:
Provide Companionship and a Sense of Connection
Dogs provide companionship and a sense of connection that can benefit people of all ages. They can help us feel less isolated and alone and promote positive social interactions. So, the dogs can help to reduce stress and anxiety and provide much-needed emotional support during difficult times.
Dogs are always happy to see us, no matter our day. Their wagging tails and enthusiastic greetings can instantly boost our moods and make us feel loved and appreciated. Dogs also have a way of making us laugh, even when we’re we’re feeling down.
Keep You Physically Active and Mentally Relaxed
Dogs are not only great companions, but they can also help keep you physically active and mentally engaged. Walking or playing with your dog can provide much-needed exercise and help to release endorphins – the ”feel-good” chemicals in our brains. This can lead to improved mood and reduced stress levels.
Make Your Life Organized
In case you are stressing over an unorganized lifestyle. To your surprise, having a dog can help keep your life organized. If you have a dog, chances are you have someone to help keep track of your belongings. Canines are great at keeping track of your belongings. If you lose something, your Dog can help you find it.
Additionally, dogs can be trained to remind you of important tasks, such as taking the trash out. Plus, dogs enjoy helping with laundry. They can help carry the laundry baskets and even help fold the clothes. Also, the dogs can even help with grocery shopping and cleaning if properly trained.
Work as an Emotional Barometer
Dogs are attuned to our body language and vocal cues and can often sense when we are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. This can prompt them to offer comfort and reassurance, which can help us to feel calmer and more centered. In other words, dogs can help us to stay emotionally balanced.
So next time you’re feeling down, or need a little pick-me-up, remember that your furry friend is always there for you. They may be the best emotional barometer around!
Help in Socializing and Learning New Things
Dogs are social creatures, which means that they love meeting new people. Likewise, they help you socialize and cope with stress. Playing with your dog in the park or taking them to doggy daycare can be a great way to meet new friends, both two-legged and four-legged!
Besides being social, dogs are intelligent as well, and they can teach us a lot! Training your dog to do new tricks or behaviors is a great way to keep your mind active and can be a lot of fun.
Dog Breeds That are Stress-Buster
There are a lot of different dog breeds out there, and each one has its own unique personality and set of characteristics. But did you know that some dog breeds are particularly good at helping to relieve stress and anxiety? Here are five breeds to consider:
Cocker Spaniels
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Crocker spaniels are known for their gentle and loving nature and make great stress-busters. They are incredibly loyal and loving dogs. They will always be there for you, no matter what. They are also great listeners and will always try to understand what you are saying.
Additionally, they are quick learners and will soon know how to follow your commands. They are also very obedient, so they will always do what you ask them to do. Lastly, Cocker Spaniels are great cuddlers. They love to be close to their owners and always try to make physical contact with you. This is a great way to reduce stress, as it will help you to feel loved and appreciated.
Labradors
Labradors are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, making them the perfect companion to help relieve stress. Spending time with a Labrador can help lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce anxiety and tension. Labs are also great listeners, providing a non-judgmental ear for whatever you need to vent.
If you’ve ever had a bad day at work or felt overwhelmed by life, spending some time with a Labrador can help you feel better. They have a way of making everyone they meet happy and relaxed, which is what you need when stressed out.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are yet another breed known for being gentle and loving. They’re also very obedient, so you can be sure they’ll always do as you ask. And, like Labradors and Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers make great stress-busters.
Whether taking a leisurely walk around the block or playing fetch in the park, spending time with your Golden Retriever is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Their cheerful disposition is contagious, and their eagerness to please will quickly put a smile on your face.
Pugs
Pugs are the perfect stress buster for those who appreciate their company. Small and compact, they are easily portable, so you can take them wherever you go. And their endearing expression is sure to melt your heart and help reduce your stress levels.
Pugs have a way of making you feel good, even when you’re having a bad day. They are always happy to see you, and their silly antics will make you laugh. And their cuddly nature is sure to provide much-needed comfort when feeling down.
Bull Dogs
Bulldogs are another breed with their laid-back and relaxed personalities, which makes them the perfect stress-busting buddies. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, which can help to reduce stress levels in people.
They are also relatively low-maintenance, so they won’t require too much time or effort. Sitting down and cuddling with a bulldog can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, indicators of stress levels.
Bottom Line
So if you’re looking for a way to reduce stress in your life, spending time with a furry friend could be the perfect solution. Dogs have unique abilities to improve our emotional wellbeing – so why not let them into your heart and home today?
