How Dogs Can Help With Your Mental Health

No doubt, you’ve heard the saying, the one that goes that dogs are man’s best friend. Whilst, I can’t find myself so exclusionary to all the other wonderful animals out there (all keen to love and be loved); there is no denying that pups do have a certain special something about them. After all, relationships between canine companions and people are age-old; as long as the history of humanity itself. And why not? After all, both humanity and our pooch pals are social creatures after all. Historically, both have thrived in packs and there is something heart-warming about the fact that these packs can cross species. With this deep-rooted connection across the ages then; is it any wonder that with their support, companionship and unconditional love that dogs can do a great deal to help with your mental health?

Routine

When it comes to routine, there is a balance to be found. For the most part, I find it best to play-by-ear and do what feels right in the moment but having no routine whatsoever can be problematic, confusing and disorientating. Dogs offer a wonderful balance! They need feeding, walks, attention and so on. They’ll even be vocal about you not getting on when it is time for treats or walkies. Life with dogs offers just enough routine to establish a sense of daily ‘normality’ but not so much to turn into a compulsion. I think that’s healthy.

Companionship

Some get it and some don’t, but when someone’s mental health takes a dive; it isn’t a linear line. There are peaks and falls. Good moments and bad moments. A good pup doesn’t want to fix you or psycho-analyse you, but is content to just spend time together. Some are lucky enough to have human companions like this, some are not; a dog though just wants to hang out and that is everything.

Security

With anxiety and depression comes fear, sometimes of the outside world. Knowing that you have a friend who has got your back and wants all the strangers to steer clear of your home too can be of immense comfort to someone in that position.

Exercise and Fresh Air

Dogs need walking and ideally people should keep active too. When things are bad this can be hard to do though. It becomes almost a physical impossibility when mental health issues take an especially firm grasp of you. However, a pooches needs don’t change and even when unmotivated; studies have shown that dog owners will take that extra step to make sure their canine companion’s needs are met and feel better for it themselves, too.

The Super (Not So) Secret Social Club

It’s not for everyone, but with dog caring comes this amazing new world of social interactions. Strangers nod, smile, exchange words, they beam proudly about their pups latest exploits or little character quirks; and all this is just on the street! Let alone, the office, social media and throughout the family. The thing is, it is all just so happy and nice and even as a non-dog owner; it’s impossible not to find the enthusiasm just a little contagious.