articles

There's a reason dogs are considered man's best friend. They've been around for thousands of years, helping to guide us through difficult times and providing unconditional love. The next time you feel stressed out or anxious, consider adopting a furry friend—they may just be the thing to lift you up! By Rick Hatfield Dealing with stress and anxiety A dog can be a great antidote to stress. If you’re feeling stressed out and want something to distract you, try spending some time with your dog. Dogs are a fantastic distraction from the stressors of life because their mere presence will help you feel more relaxed and positive. Research has shown that dogs can even lower blood pressure, so having one around may be just what the doctor ordered if you have high blood pressure! Photo Credit: StockSnap/Pixabay You might also find that having a dog around makes it easier for you to feel confident in yourself and less anxious about any upcoming events or situations where confidence is important (for example, job interviews). This is because dogs provide us with unconditional love that can help make us feel secure in our own abilities as well as appreciated by others. Getting better sleep If you have insomnia, a dog might be the solution. Dogs can help people fall asleep and stay asleep, which is important considering that sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If you suffer from chronic insomnia or are prone to sleeplessness at night, consider getting a dog. Photo Credit: Jamie Street on Unsplash Dogs can help you deal with depression Depression is an illness that can lead to feelings of despair, hopelessness, and isolation. Having a companion who listens to you, loves you unconditionally, and helps you feel less alone is a key part of healing for many people who are dealing with depression. A dog's love can help lift your mood and make you feel less isolated—a major factor in depression. Dogs aren't judgmental, they don't care if you're wearing sweatpants all day or if the house is messy and unkempt (or maybe even clean as a whistle). A pet isn't going to mind if your hair looks like it escaped from a crime scene while they're licking their own fur balls out of boredom. Dogs don't care about how old or young we are either—they think everyone is wonderful! Socializing with others Dogs are social animals, which means they're always looking for ways to interact with others. Dog owners should capitalize on this fact by taking their pups out with them as much as possible and encouraging them to meet new people and play with other dogs. If you're having trouble making friends or meeting your neighbors, consider bringing Fido along for an introduction. For example, if you see someone walking their dog or playing fetch at the park near your house? Ask them if it's okay to bring over your own pet so that both pups can make some new friends! You'll be amazed at how quickly a few minutes of playing together can turn into an hour-long conversation about each other's lives and interests. Photo Credit: Chewy on Unsplash The Best Dog for You! When choosing a dog, it is important to take into consideration the breed. There are many different types of dogs and each breed has its own personality traits. If you want an affectionate dog, then consider breeds such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, Great Danes, and Golden Retrievers. These dogs tend to be very sweet and love their owners dearly. They also tend to be more loyal than other dogs. Conclusion As you can see, there are many benefits to having a dog in your life. Some of these may be more important to you than others, but we hope that this article has given you some insight into what makes dogs so great for mood elevation. The bottom line is that if you’re feeling down or stressed out, owning a dog will help lift your spirits and make life more enjoyable! About the Author Rick Hatfield is the co-founder and author of shihtzuworld.com. Being a brown Shih Tzu parent himself he enjoys writing articles on Shih Tzu behavior, well-being, grooming, and training. Also Read: How Veterans Can Use Therapy Dogs to Improve Mental Health Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Certification for Dogs Guide