How can dogs help people?

Dogs are viewed as man’s best friend but they can do more than just be a friend. Dogs can help boost an individuals’ mood. Any type of animal can be therapeutic for anyone that is either suffering from an illness or going through a rough patch. Dogs are one of the most common house hold pet that can aid individuals with mental health concerns or any type of health concern. Dogs can reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. They can also help individuals become more active thus improving cardiovascular health. If you don’t suffer from any type of mental health illness or health concern dogs can simply add joy and love to your life. Pets, especially dogs, can help you make healthy lifestyle changes. Dogs have many and specific benefits for older adults and children.

Dogs can help people deal with anxiety, depression and stress. Dogs can become familiar with a humans behavior and emotion. Although dogs are able to understand words we use they are more efficient at understanding the tone of voice, gestures and even body language. There have been recent studies that have explored the benefits of a human to animal bond. Studies have found that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than individuals without pets. Studies have shown that pets help people who are anxious or depressed focus on the present, because they have to pay attention to the care of their pet (Carrington.edu, 2014). The American Heart Association has also done studies where they linked pet owners to have a reduced risk for heart disease. Playing with dogs can help raise the serotonin and dopamine levels.

Taking care of a dog holds many responsibilities. Owning any type of pet takes commitment, but dogs are a MAJOR commitment. When caring for a dog they need time and attention. Sometimes owning a dog can cause you to miss out on time with family and friends. But you can also take your dog places with you who in turn help you run errands and give your dog that quality time with its owner. If you have a puppy you might need to invest more time for training your dog. You might also have to dedicate more time and attention if you have an older dog.  Dogs can also need to go to the vet regularly just like we go to the doctor. As a pet owner you have to allot money for your dog’s food, bedding, vet visits, etc. I would advise researching different dog types and seeing what would be the best fit. There is a dog out there for everyone; it just takes the time and effort to know what works for you. It is also important to be aware of any health risks that dogs can carry that are transmittable to humans.

Dogs can also serve as a health benefit for older adults. At times getting older can become more and more difficult, so dogs can help bring back the joy in life and help finding a greater meaning. Many older adults will retire and no longer have a regular routine, adopting or buying a dog can help and give one’s life purpose again. Tending to a dog can be a morale booster and simply bring pleasure. Dogs are also a way for older adults to meet new people. Dogs encourage older adults to exercise more which can boost the immune system.

Dogs also serve another health purpose, they can also provide health benefits for children. One thing that I did not know was growing up with pets can lower a child’s chance of having allergies or asthma. Having a pet or a dog can help children practice being responsible. It can also teach children how to be compassionate and empathetic. There have also been studies that show dogs can help a hyperactive child calm down. 

Dogs are a beneficial for being a source of relaxation and calmness. They can also help stimulate the brain. Dogs bring people of all ages a sense of comfort, joy and much more. Although dogs are not a cure for any illness or mental illness they can truly help individuals get through their day and take their mind off of the negative things. Remember that there are now more and more scientific studies surfacing about the health benefits to having pets, especially dogs. If you want to know any more about how dogs can help people I will leave the link to the article below.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm#effects

References

Carrington College. (2014). How pets help people with depression. Retrieved from http://carrington.edu/blog/student-tips/health/pets-help-people-depression/.