What are the Benefits of Dog Ownership to Your Mental Health?

25th October 2022

Did you know that dogs provide many benefits to our mental health? Dogs are often referred to as “Man’s Best Friend” for a reason! They provide us with companionship, discipline, and lots of love. If you’re considering getting a dog, be sure to research the different breeds and find one that is right for you. If you feel that you need help in finding the right breed for your situation, then contact us for more information about our Puppy Advice Clinic.
Here are some of the benefits that dogs can provide to our mental health.

Exercise

Dogs need to be exercised daily, which means that you will get more exercise too! Walking or running with your dog is a great way to get some fresh air and bond with your furry friend. It is also a great way to meet new people, as most dog owners are happy to stop and chat.

Exercise is not only important for dogs but for humans too. According to the NHS, adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. This could be something as simple as a brisk walk or cycle. Regular exercise has been shown to have many benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and improving mood. So next time you are feeling low, put on your trainers and go for a walk with your dog – you will both feel better for it!

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much exercise a dog needs, as it depends on the individual dog. However, most dogs will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. If you are unsure how much exercise your dog needs, speak to your vet, or a Vislor Trainer, for advice.There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much exercise a dog needs, as it depends on the individual dog. However, most dogs will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. If you are unsure how much exercise your dog needs, speak to your vet, or a Vislor Trainer, for advice.

Remember, dogs are not only great companions; they can also be a motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle! So, get out there and enjoy some time with Man’s Best Friend.

Fresh Air

Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve mental health, and dogs are the perfect excuse to get some fresh air! Walking your dog not only helps their health but can also improve your mood and reduce stress levels. dogs have a way of making us feel relaxed and happy, even on our worst days.

It’s no secret that dogs are great for mental health. They provide us with companionship, love, and support- all of which can be extremely beneficial when struggling with our mental health. But did you know that dogs can also help us to get some much-needed fresh air?

Spending time outdoors has been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health, and dogs can be the perfect motivation to get us out of the house and into the fresh air. Walking a dog is a great way to get some exercise, which has also been shown to help improve our mental wellbeing.

Companionship

Dogs make great companions and can help reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation. They provide us with unconditional love and acceptance, which can be very therapeutic. Dogs can also help us to be more active and social.

It’s important to remember that dogs are social creatures too and need companionship. They can get lonely if left alone for long periods, or if they don’t have any doggy friends to play with. If you think your dog may be lonely, try taking them for more walks, to the dog park, or arranging playdates with other dogs.

Dogs can also suffer from mental health issues just like us humans. If you think your dog may be depressed, anxious, or stressed, talk to your veterinarian or your Vislor trainer. They can provide you with advice on how to help your dog and may recommend a new activity or behaviour modification, or even suggest that you speak to your vet about the issue if it persists – they may recommend medication if this is something that would help your dog.

Discipline

Having a dog can help teach responsibility and discipline. Dogs need to be fed, watered, and exercised regularly, which can help teach people about the importance of routines and sticking to them.

Dogs can also help people learn how to be more patient and calm. dogs can provide much-needed companionship for people who are struggling with mental health issues and can help them feel less isolated and alone.

Dogs can make excellent walking or running partners, which can help people get the exercise they need to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Dogs can also help people learn how to be more assertive and confident, which can be helpful in many aspects of life.

If you are thinking about getting a dog, or already have one, consider how they could help you with your mental health and overall wellbeing. Dogs can provide so much love and support and can be an invaluable part of a healthy lifestyle.

Dogs can help us learn about responsibility, patience, and discipline, and can be a great source of companionship and exercise. If you are struggling with mental health issues, consider how a dog could help you on your journey to recovery. Dogs can change our lives for the better in so many ways.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone.” It is released when we hug someone or pet an animal, and it has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood.

Oxytocin is also released when we look into someone’s eyes, which is why dogs are sometimes referred to as “man’s best friend.” When we stare into our dog’s eyes, we are releasing oxytocin, which makes us feel happy and relaxed. So next time you are feeling stressed, try looking into your dog’s eyes and see if it makes you feel better.

Don’t ignore the mental health of your dog. They don’t understand why they are feeling low and need our help to feel better. Take them for walks in nature, play with them, and show them lots of love. Dogs are truly Man’s Best Friend, and they deserve our care and attention.

Autistic People and Dogs

Autism service dogs can be a great asset to people with an autism spectrum disorder. These dogs are specially trained to help with specific tasks, such as providing grounding during an anxiety attack or reminding their owner to take medication. If you or someone you know is living with autism, then an autism service dog may be a good option to consider.

Dogs can provide much-needed companionship for people who are struggling with mental health issues and can help them feel less isolated and alone. Dogs can also help us learn about responsibility, patience, and discipline, and can be a great source of exercise.

Training Autism Dogs isn’t something that Vislor offer as a service, but more information can be found at The Autism Dogs Charity, which is accredited by the National Autistic Society.

Please don’t forget to share this post with your friends to help spread the word about the benefits of exercise for dogs (and humans)!