Not only are pets great companions, but they can also be great for your mental health too. If you already have a dog, then you won’t be all that surprised by this list. If you haven’t got a dog, and feel like you’re in a position to take care of one, then this little list might just help you make your mind up. 

 

Touch

Not everyone likes to be touched or to have people nearby. But a dog can provide that closeness in a way that isn’t as invasive as another human might be. Although all people have a physiological need for contact, and in fact, a hug for 2 minutes and more a day can increase your happiness, most people would prefer to hug a pet over a human. 

Routine

Knowing when something is going to happen, or having plans is very useful for almost everyone. Dogs especially provide the routine that many of us crave. They like to be walked, fed, and to go to bed at the same time every day. The organisation of their toys and food, plus regular vet appointments, keeps owners focused and in a routine. 

Fun

Dogs are like playful companions until they are too old to jump and play. This means you have a friend who wants to run, jump, play tug-o-war every single day. That is a huge injection of fun. In order to do that, you really need to make sure that you have a range of puppy-proof toys. 

 

Some dogs have much stronger jaws and teeth than others. You’ll need to do a spot of research about which toys are going to be best for your dog. You can then check out the huge range available at Time for Paws. 

 

Remember to buy high-quality toys, and other dog items, because the risk of small parts can be a hazard to your dog.

 

Purpose

When you feel like you have a sense of purpose, you are much more likely to make sure that you stick to all of your commitments. Often when it comes to mental health, there can be a huge sense of lack of purpose and anxiety. 

 

When you have a pet that requires something from you, that can often help alleviate those feelings and replace them with the feeling that you aren’t alone and that someone needs you. 

 

Stress

Almost everyone is carrying some level of stress with them. And even though there is a range of things that you can do to reduce your stress levels – like taking a hot bath, reading, or getting a good night’s sleep – petting an animal can help to reduce those levels rapidly. 

Much like hugging people, petting a dog for a number of minutes can release a boost of the stress-reducing hormone and reduce your blood pressure too. 

Did you know that many pets can suffer from stress too? There are many available articles on how to relieve dog stress, explaining what products are best to use to do this. Every dog is different, which is why it’s important to do your research. before purchasing products to try. 

In general, when it comes to owning a pet, they can have a huge and positive impact on you. And it isn’t just your mental health either – because they encourage you to get out and about, which will increase your activity levels and your fitness too. 

 

Do you have any pets? You can read more about my Labrador, Milo here.

This post is a collaboration.