Dogs on Mental Health
Calling all dog lovers!
I used to work at Health First Pro Health, a hospital-based wellness & fitness center located in Viera, Florida. I looked forward to every Friday where I would go for lunch at the hospital cafe and have a burger and fries. I called this “Burger and Fry Fridays” and I feel like I earned it for my commitment to marathon training that year! Everytime I went there I remember Paco, the hospital golden retriever who would come each day and visit the patients. Who else feels happy just THINKING about dogs let alone seeing one? Call me an obsessed dog lover but they bring more benefits to us than you might think.
Many hospitals and assisted living homes have been using therapy dogs for years for those who are ill. However, mental illness rates are rising every year and 1 in 5 adults experience some form of depression. Having a dog can help combat stress, anxiety, and provide comfort for those who suffer from loneliness.
A pet can help with mental health in the following ways:
Loneliness- Pets are a great partner to share a routine with. A pet helps you with a sense that you aren’t alone because of their companionship. It’s no mistake that dogs are truly called “man’s best friend.”
Exercise- The fact that dogs have to do a number one and number two everyday means that you will instantly get more steps in to help with your health. If you have a dog that’s a natural runner, you might also benefit from purchasing a running leash and going on morning runs with your dog. Just keep in mind about the heat index for your fur babies.
Happiness- The mere action of petting a fur baby can release oxytocin and dopamine within you which is the “feel good hormones” that are released when feeling love and happiness. So if you already have a dog or a cat, give them a loving hug after you read this.
Self Esteem- Dogs have been proven to help with self esteem because it allows people without children to take care of something else other than themselves. This will help boost your autonomy and is especially helpful for children, young adults, and the elderly.
I am convinced that Dogs were put on this earth to bring goodness to the world. So let’s give a little love back.
If you are in the Orlando area, Lotsa Love Pet Rescue and Adoption is a great place to adopt or donate. They are located at PetSmart in Lake Nona every Saturday from 11am-4pm for adoptions and they’re always taking donations of towels, sheets, cleaning supplies (Clorix, Paper Towels, Tide), and food (Purina One Healthy Puppy Formula & Purina One Chicken and Rice) etc. The supplies can be dropped off at PetSmart anytime throughout the week.
You can also view their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lotsalovepetrescueflorida/.
I remember adopting my fur baby from a PetSmart Adoption Event in Gainesville and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
In addition to your pet, a mindset coach in Orlando is a great way to level set and take control of your happiness. Schedule a free consultation call by emailing me at shannon@livwellpaige.com.
Liv Well,
