Dogs and Your Emotional Wellbeing

After a long and stressful day, there is nothing better than coming home to your pets. The bond we share as humans with our pets is not something that can be compared to much else. The simple reality is, we have a relationship with our cats or dogs that causes us to have emotions that we associate with our pets. After a hard day we come home, relax on the sofa and find relief from having our cat curl up on our lap or sloppy dog kisses on our face.

In fact, according to research, when we interact with dogs for example, oxytocin levels increase in us and in dogs. Furthermore, the study shows that when mutual gazing exists between humans and their dogs, our oxytocin levels increase. Doctors have found that when our oxytocin level is at an increased rate, our stress and anxiety levels decrease significantly.

Today it is becoming more common to see dogs in hospitals, therapy sessions and exam study halls in universities across the country. Dogs and pets in general have many additional benefits besides being a reliable companion. One study illustrated that adults who regularly take their dogs on longer walks are more physically active and less likely to become obese than dog owners who did not regularly take their pets for a walk. Another looked at senior dog walkers ages 71 to 82 and found that if they regularly walked their dogs they were found to have greater mobility within their homes.

Having a dog can greatly improve your health and overall happiness. Don’t forget to be sure that your dog’s health is in tip top shape by regularly attending veterinary appointments. If you think you’re due for an appointment soon, give us a call today!