The Benefits Of Pets For Mental Health

Pets, specifically dogs, are amazing for our health. If you have been struggling with either your physical or your mental health in recent years, rather than going to a therapist, have a think about rescuing a furry friend. Here are all of the reasons why you should get a dog for your mental health.

More exercise

As much as we try to get enough exercise every week, it can sometimes be difficult to get enough for our bodies purely due to the time and effort it takes us to get out to the gym or to our yoga class. However, when you have a dog at home, you have a whole new reason to exercise. Dogs need to be walked at least once or twice a depending on their breed, and therefore you have no choice but to get up and get moving. This is a great thing because it forces us up and makes sure that we get enough movement each day.

A companion

When we suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety it can sometimes be a result of feeling alone in the world. If you feel as if you are lonely, get yourself a pet this year and you will start to see a huge difference in your mood. Every day when you wake up your pet will be there to greet you, they will be happy when you come home and you’ll get lots of cuddles and kisses from them. You’ll start to feel needed and it will be amazing.

Help you socialise

One of the main issues that people have with their mental health is socialising. It can be overwhelming to talk to new people and it can often feel as if you are being crushed under a weight when you join a big conversation. However, having a dog can help you learn how to socialise because dog people are incredibly friendly. On your walks, you will start to recognise people and they will say hello, and over time it will feel like second nature to start up a conversation with them.

Reduce anxiety

Animals, especially ones which are emotional support animals such as from certapet, are incredibly good at reducing anxiety. When you start to feel as if you are becoming anxious and overwhelmed, reach for your animal and let them comfort you. Owning an animal and being responsible for them will also help you to increase your confidence and therefore you will feel much happier as a result.

Give you a routine

If you are unorganised as a rule, having a pet can make you change these ways and have a solid routine. In the morning you’ll have to let your dog out to have a wee, feed them, and take them for a walk. You’ll go to work, come home, let them out, feed them and walk them once more. Having a routine like this to stick to can help you figure out what time you have in the day to do your hobbies and chores, and therefore it can make life much easier to deal with.

Start your own dog bakery and work from home!

This is a collaborative post