Owning a dog does more than just give you an animal to feed and play with. Dogs bring loads of joy and purpose into our lives over the course of theirs. They want nothing more than to be loyal and respectful to you as much as possible.
Have you ever seen how excited a dog gets when they perform a trick correctly? Sure, the incoming treats might influence their mood a bit, but they’re also happy to have impressed you. That feeling of commitment alone is enough to boost your own mood!
Science Proves that Dog’s Boost Your Mood
It’s scientifically proven time and time again that owning a dog helps you cope with anxiety, depression, and other stressful mental disorders. Serotonin and dopamine sky rocket, which helps you calm down and be a little bit happier.
On top of that, being able to focus on another life other than our own minds helps us understand what really matters. Their joy distracts us and relieves muscle tension and stress headaches.
Blood pressure begins to drop, and it’s even proven that people with dogs visit the doctor much less than people without them. Stress is a silent killer, and without it, hospital visits are limited thanks to the joy and comfort that a dog brings us!
Sense of Companionship
We all know that friendship helps elevate our moods. Sharing thoughts, emotions, and fun times together gives you a sense of loyalty both ways. There’s a reason that dogs are called man’s best friend, not man’s favorite pet!
They’re our friend’s, and we should learn to view it that way. The companionship shared with our canine buddies is priceless, and equivalent to a friendship with another human being. The only difference is that dogs aren’t capable of spite and holding grudges!
Health Boost = Mood Boost
There are a couple reasons why the aforementioned scientifically-proven health benefits translate to a mood boost. For starters, knowing that you don’t have to deal with as much stress and anxiety is a huge peace of mind as it is.
In addition to that, when your body is working properly, everything is circulating as it should. Less doctor visits means less health problems, which means your serotonin and dopamine can produce at the correct rate. This boosts your health AND your mood over a short period of time.
Sense of Purpose
The little things in life are often the aspects that bring us joy. Waking up early to feed your dog and fill their water bowl does more than fill their bellies. It also gives you a reason to wake up and take care of another living being.
You learn to go through the routine of life while helping out your friend along the way. Dogs need a lot of attention and physical activity, which is obviously a huge commitment. Following through with it always makes you feel a stronger sense of purpose.
Dogs are often compared to children, with their unending curiosity sending them all around the house to investigate. Your only job is to make sure they’re safe, healthy, and happy. These responsibilities start to become less of a chore and more of a blessing over time.
Grow with Your Dog
As your dog learns new tricks, grows bigger with age, and starts to understand the do’s and don’ts of life, you’ll slowly start to realize a change in yourself as well. Dogs are more than a small animal who needs your help. They’re there to help you by bringing you happiness!
Watching them grow up before your very own eyes is incomparable to anything else in life. Treat them correctly and bond with them, and they’ll never turn their backs on you. It’s all about sprouting a mutual friendship with one of the most loving, adorable animals on the planet! Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
Whether you’re looking for scientific proof, or word of mouth from centuries of pet owners, the facts are there. Dogs help boost your mood more than most things in life, there’s no way around it!
With a new sense of purpose, an ever-growing friendship, and years of entertainment and love ahead of you, your pup will change your life forever!
About the Author:
Chris Carpenter is the author of the book, Vet Set Go!, which aims to help teach tweens and teens how to become a veterinary volunteer. As a licensed vet himself, Dr. Carpenter hopes his knowledge and passion for animals can help aspiring vets succeed in the industry.
