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Health & Pupstyle

Nov 22, 2019

How Dogs Can Provide Emotional Support

Dogs are often referred to as man’s greatest friend and companion. 

The reason isn't far-fetched, especially if you have one and you have experienced just how much of a transformation they can cause. 

Recognizing this, Josh Billings once said that "a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself."

Dogs are loving, loyal, dependable, devoted and warm. Before long, you could easily become best friends with your dog, able to read all of his moods and notice reactions that are out of place. 

However, it has been proven that beyond being just a companion and pet, dogs are also capable of sensing human emotional disturbance and serving as a support system.

I'm pretty sure that there have been times when you weren't feeling so great, then you start to feel a warm body rub against your legs or your dog suddenly starts to lick your face.

These are reactions aimed at emotional support. 

Here are a number of major ways by which dogs can provide emotional support: 

1. Dogs Provide Stress Relief

I'm pretty sure you can relate to the fact that that you have definitely been stressed at some point in your life.

As a matter of fact, there are so many stressors around that it is almost impossible to avoid this emotional onslaught. Studies have shown that having a loving dog to keep your company and rub against you periodically has a whole lot of psychological benefits. 

It also results in a higher energy level as well as increased happiness. When you're emotionally stressed, meeting up with people such as your friends could seem to become a huge chore. 

2. Dogs Force Us to Relax

Given the fast-paced life that most of us lead these days, there is hardly any time to actually relax and I do not mean just going to sleep. 

Relaxing even while awake is essential to boosting your emotional health and keeping it in check. As a dog owner, you would definitely have to walk your dog sometime during the day. 

It could be along the beach, in the woods, the streets or even in the park. This peaceful moment where you're surrounded by nature and quiet helps you really and take your mind off the pile of work that you have got waiting for you on your desk.

This simple activity has been shown to boost the mood, soothe pain and even boost creativity. 

In addition, studies suggest that being in natural spaces such as a park to walk your dog boosts mental health and improves emotional well-being. 

3. Dogs Provide Comfort

Dogs are amazing empaths, they easily detect when there is an issue bothering you and are naturally wired to provide comfort.

Some time ago when my brother took ill and the doctor wasn't providing any positive assurance, it was about one of the lowest points of my life. 

Before going to visit my brother in the hospital, I would go on a walk with my German Shepherd, Jasper. My favorite spot was a meadow close by and Jasper, who is very frisky would tug at my pants and try to get me to play with him. 

When he notices my lack of response, he would come to sit beside me and place his head in my lap.

This provided me with an enormous amount of comfort and I usually ended up feeling a whole lot better. Dogs are natural comforters. 

4. Dogs Renew Your Sense of Purpose

A sense of purpose has been found to be profoundly important in helping people get a new meaning for their lives. 

Knowing that you have a living being that depends on you for survival and a good life can be very comforting.

Dogs easily drive this intention - you have to feed them, walk them and ensure that they remain healthy generally. 

How You Can Take Care of Your Pet

Watching out for the health of your dog is a very essential part of the care that they require.

Dogs are prone to certain ailments or infestations which may affect them both physically and emotionally. 

Chief of these is a flea attack. 

To prevent a flea attack, you need to first, be conversant with fleas; their appearance and what their eggs look like.

 Then you need to take all the necessary precautions in order to ensure that your dog remains healthy.

This way, you and your dog get to lead happy and healthy lives for a long time.