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| Photo Credit: @ryan_daryl_bailey |
"I love my dog like it's my child" I turned around and said to my friend.
"Don't be silly" She shrieked. "How could you compare your love to an animal the same as a child?"
The answer quite simply is a hormone in our body called oxytocin. For those who were not particularly interested in science, the hormone oxytocin is also referred to as 'The Love Hormone'. This is usually released during sex or in childbirth. However, research has found that cwtching, petting and having eye-contact with a dog actually releases the human oxytocin. Which creates a bond with our furbabies.
Now, what positives are there when releasing the human oxytocin hormone? For starters, it reduces stress, and in this world, we could all do with a little less stress. Secondly, it boasts of sexual arousal...Thirdly, statistically, it reduces drug cravings. Fourthly, It improves social skills and Lastly, helps promote healthy sleep!
So how does owning a dog help your mental health?
1. Your Own Immediate Exercise Partner:
Let's face it, most of us would lie in bed and want to eat pizza and ice-cream for the rest of the day. Having your furry little friend forces you to walk him/her. Feeling unmotivated? Just one look at my little furbaby's face when I get the lead in my hand, it is priceless! a 60- hour walk feels like no time has passed at all, doesn't feel like any exercise has been done at all!
2. Someone to Provide Unconditional Love:
Dogs will wait for you, especially when they know that you are coming home. My dog can still sometimes pee due to being so excited to see me. Let's face it, no-one else dances with excitement when they see you (unless if you have multiple dogs) or when you enter a room, other than your furbaby!
3. Your Own Cuddle Monster:
Cwtching your dog is so much better than eating that tub of Ben and Jerrys that is in the fridge anyway! Having a down day? Your dog will definitely help boost your mood. Even just spending as little as 15 minutes with your dogs head on your lap, or even just watching your dog will increase your mood. And did I mention... Free cuddles?
4. Your Own Little Socialite:
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| Photo Credit: @ryan_daryl_bailey |
Having a dog does improve your social life. Whenever I have him, I cannot walk more than five minutes without someone wanting to speak to me about my dog. Whether if it is a child who wants to pet him or an old man who tells me that he had a 'spaniel' which is similar to mine. Or even just a comment about how much fun he looks like he had in the river. People just can't seem to get enough.
5. Your Own Security Alarm:
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| Photo Credit: @ryan_daryl_bailey |
Does anyone have any furbaby stories to tell?xo
