Play with a pup and reduce stress; it takes 15 minutes

Animal therapies are used to support patients who are losing hope in their lives. Horses, cats, and dogs can give you comfort when you feel alone. 

An instance comes to my mind. One of my neighbors took sleeping pills after a breakup. She was 20 and had a golden retriever. The dog kept biting her hands. Each of our neighbors said, The dog has gone crazy.

When the doctor came and treated her. He told all of us that the pet was trying to keep her awake. Awesome, isn’t it?

Dogs can smell your feelings. Hence, they understand you without words.

Their unconditional love reduces our stress from work or studies. Automatically, our heart health boosts.

70% of American families have a dog as a pet.

What happens when we experience stress?

Stress drops your immunity. Some of the symptoms of stress are:

• Chest pain occurs as the heart beats rise

• Tiredness

• Muscle stiffness

• Upset stomach

• Irritation

• Restlessness

• Forgetfulness

Stress triggers high blood pressure, stroke, or diabetes. Our minds have no meter to detect the level of stress. Hence, there is no medication for stress.

The American Psychological Association reported in 2022, 84% of US workers have work stress.

However, they may manage it by relaxing their minds, meditating, and joining friendly conversations.

Some dog facts to grab your attention

The Earth has 450 species of dogs. Dogs are our loyal friends, and they understand 100 words or gestures.

They cool themselves by panting. Their noses are 40 times better than ours. Some of their interesting traits are:

• Dogs sweat and mark their territory through their glands in their paws.

• They do not feel guilty for their mistakes. Innocent na!

• Dogs behave like your two-year-old baby.

• Dogs feel your love and care.

• Puppies are blind and deaf.

Dogs can detect a slight change in your hormone levels and other changes in your body through your scent.

Their presence brings you courage, erasing your fears, as proven by the researchers of the Department of Psychology from Jaen University in Spain.

Their saliva has over 600 types of bacteria, just like ours. Bacterial infections transferred to us are called zoonotic diseases. They often hamper public health.

Dog breeds that are efficient stress relievers include:

• Labrador

• Retrievers

• Husky

• German shepherd

• Beagle

• Corgi

• Dalmatian

• Shiba Inu

A Norwegian Lundehund is a rare breed of dog that has six toes.

Mutual bonding between us and the dogs

Dogs benefit us, and we benefit them. Let us see how. 

We feed, shelter, and care for dogs.

In return, they protect us from danger, provide emotional attachment, and care for babies.  

When we look into our dogs' eyes, we both develop high levels of oxytocin, the love hormone.

89% of people believe that their pet dogs bring health, wealth, and prosperity.

Dogs are social beings. They desire your presence not just for their needs.

How do dogs benefit us?

If a child grows up with a dog, they become secure and active. In addition, dogs provide healthy companionship to older adults.

Children with dogs develop higher levels of the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, and show better results in sports. They feel safe and warm with a dog. 

Likewise, they accompany us when we are lonely and depressed.

The effects on our bodies and minds

Their loyal presence brings:

• Emotional care

• Higher oxytocin levels

• Lower cortisol levels

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduced stress

• Happiness

• Companionship is meaningful

Dogs love to play or go for a walk outside. Thus, they encourage you to go outside and play. This way, your efficiency at work increases.

Students in higher classes have projects, classes, part-time work, and studies. The National Institutes of Health in the US published a journal article proving that students who have dogs face less stress and are curious about upcoming events. 

On the contrary, those who do not have pets tend to be worried and less motivated in their studies and official engagements. 

A cuddle from your dog gives a stressless sleep with a sense of security.

Why are dogs better stress relievers than other animals? 

Often, animals can comfort us in the absence of people, but dogs have a unique perception. In the presence of dogs, doctors say that:

• Patients feel secure and do not resist tests or treatments.

• People have less anxiety.

• Dogs do not judge, they just calm people.

• Children with disabilities love to be around dogs.

Dog-assisted therapies can lower your tense mood and boost your immunity and strength. 

What is the effect of 15 minutes playing with a dog?

120 students of Chiang Mai University in Thailand answered a stress management survey. 

They spent 15 minutes daily with 3 to 6-year-old-friendly dogs. 

The stress management team recorded the students’ and dogs’ cortisol levels, blood pressure, and pulse before and after 15 minutes.

The students admitted that they had lower stress after 15 minutes. 

Dogs had lower cortisol levels, too.

The Result: The students and dogs had 33% lower stress after interaction.

Some evidence of dogs healing people

Dogs became our domestic animals some 15000 years ago. Before that, they belonged to the wolf family and were hunters.

• Dogs’ obedient and agile nature makes them a part of the military for search operations. 

• They can sense cancer growth in a person, as per renowned therapist Dr M.S. Regan.

• They can predict upcoming epileptic seizures.

• They sense autism and behave that way.

A 15-year-old mute girl stayed away from people because of her disability. A therapy dog interacted with her, and she started mingling with people.

Let’s play with dogs 

Dogs can make your simple moments precious. They may infect us with their love and loyalty. Even a street dog wags its tail when you pat its back. Love them as they do. Spend time with them and indulge in innocence. They can be your guide when you're old; bring your favorite breed of pup. Tell us what your pup did to pull you up from stress.