Recent evidence suggests that even purebred dogs may offer mental health benefits.
In the times we live in, stress has become part of our everyday life. Every day, people are faced with factors that cause anxiety, including financial problems, daily worries and family difficulties. As a result of these concerns, our psychological and emotional health suffers.
Unfortunately, of the tens of millions of people dealing with emotional problems, less than half receive proper psychological treatment. One of the reasons that many emotional problems remain untreated is related to the high cost of treatment, while another reason is related to the difficulties and uncertainties that still exist in seeking psychological help.
For this reason, many people with emotional problems often seek alternative "cures", such as art therapy, chess, sand therapy, culinary therapy and others. However, according to some new studies, one of the best ways to improve your mental health may simply be to adopt a dog as your best friend. The positive effects of therapy dogs in alleviating anxiety-related psychological problems are well-studied and proven.
How can a puppy provide therapeutic benefits?
The emotional and mental benefits that dogs provide appear to stem from their natural behaviors that positively affect humans, rather than from any behavior specifically trained for psychological assistance.
In the study "Pet's influence on humans' daily physical activity and mental health: a meta-analysis" , 69% of owners reported that their dogs improved their mental and emotional well-being by comforting them when they were sad, and this type of comfort helped them during generally stressful times (60%). Others reported improvements because their dog paid attention and listened to them when they needed to vent (45%).
In this study, dog owners reported that their pets improved their mood an average of nine times each day by making them laugh (73%), playing (68%), petting them (67%), or simply by being a comforting presence and relaxing with them on the couch (64%). Surprisingly, 61% of respondents rate the time they spend with their dog as the best part of their day.
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