By James Shore

A dog is man’s best friend and best friends can never see you in pain. Latest studies have shown how dogs and cats at offices improve the work performance of employees. Moreover, the strong bonding of man with a dog is known for a long time.

Pets have positive effects on our mind and body health. They help us live life to the optimum and teach us to love unconditionally. Dogs have been known to bring a lot of changes in owner’s life. Dogs can help you improve your mental health in various ways:

Reduced Level of Stress:

Studies conducted by Aaron Katcher, a psychiatrist at Pennsylvania University, and Alan Beck, a psychologist at Purdue University, around 30 years ago measured the physical changes in people who regularly pet their dog. The gestures of care lower the blood pressure, slow down the heart rate, regularize the breathing rate and relax the tension in muscles—which indicate low-stress levels.

However, if your long-haired furball sheds a lot, no need to worry as there are some amazing pet vacuums that can clean up the mess. Find pet vacuums here.

Some studies that were published in Psychosomatic Medicine Journal show the analysis and observations of the researchers and there was seen a reduction in stress hormones, which had better mental health effects. Moreover, petting a dog works way faster than a medicine to reduce stress.

Reduced Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Level:

Pets have positive health effects on their owners by improving the quality of their lives and by reducing the risk of developing various chronic diseases. Studies have shown that pet owners have low blood pressure and cholesterol level in comparison with the non-pet-owners.

Dog owners have to take the pooch for walks, which reduces the risk of stress, anxiety, depression, and hypertension in them. Studies have shown that daily walk routines decrease the risk of chronic diseases.

Reduced Risk of Heart Problems

Pets help reduce the chances of cardiac diseases. A study published in American Journal of Cardiology showed that out of 400 patients who suffered a heart attack, dog owners had greater survival rate than the non-dog-owners.

It is due to a reduction of stress hormones, and an increase in the release of happy hormones while petting the dog that increased the chances of improving the health of dog owners.

Reduced Risk of Depression:

Besides stress, depression and anxiety are growing problems in the present society. Depression is seen as a disease that socially disables you and physically blocks your strengths. It’s a mental disease that puts you at a higher risk of developing cardiac diseases.

Loneliness is the top-most reason behind depression. Dogs are faithful companions that never leave your side. The love you’ll share with the Fido will increase the levels of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin—the happy hormones. Do you still think there will be some space for depression?

Increased Social Behavior:

Socialization is a positive change in a dog owner’s life that turns it upside-down. The gloomy images in the mind are replaced by happy images and memories.

Social support is necessary for mental health, emotional strength and physical well-being. It creates confidence in the shy and anti-social people.

Dogs create opportunities for the owners to socialize during a walk or a visit to the dog park. It helps them develop a social circle and be more communicative and expressive about themselves. Such social interactions positively impact the human mind by boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. Moreover, depression will only become a “word” in your life’s dictionary.

– James is a part-time dog-trainer and dog behavior consultant with years of experience in dog training and the man behind LabradorTrainingHQ.com. He is interested in finding out fun ways to handle dog behaviors, specifically, Labradors to help dog-owners enjoy their companions at all times.