Why do dogs make us happy? There are so many ways that it would be impossible to cover the myriad ways in which they enrich our lives, put a smile on our face, help us out if we are injured or disabled and are always there for us no matter what. Our dogs don’t care if we have bed head, are in a bad mood, aren’t great cooks or if we watch cheesy movies on the weekend! In fact, our dogs would probably love lying in bed with us while we watched movies!
Physical and emotional benefits are derived by sharing our lives with our dogs, petting a dog in a therapy setting such as a hospital or nursing home or by taking them for a long walk after a stressful day at work. Coming home from work and being greeted by your dog is sure to put a smile on your face, especially when he enthusiastically bounces around, barks and licks you with abandon!
Why Do Dogs Make Us Happy?
Dogs are messy. They may chew your shoes or drive us wild sometimes but we have a lot to learn from them! Dogs can teach us lessons… if we take the time to watch, listen, learn and implement their teachings into our lives.
Here are five ways dogs make us happy:
Dogs make us more active. When you have a dog you can’t just sit around on the couch binge watching television all day. Your dog will need to go outside to do her business. She will want to go for a walk around the yard or play fetch. When you’re indoors she will want to toss a ball around or otherwise expend her energy. A dog will “force” you to get up, get out and get your daily steps in.
Dogs teach you to pay attention to your emotions. Our pups live in the moment. They don’t carry grudges or stress about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. They are always present. Pet parents can learn a lot about themselves just by watching their dogs. Be sure to take time today to truly live in the moment. Don’t worry about yesterday or stress about tomorrow.
We’ll bet you’ve also noticed that when you’re happy, your dog will pick up on that. When you’re sad, hurt or angry your dog senses that and will try to offer comfort. If you’re sick or injured your dog will be by your side, head in your lap offering silent, loving comfort.
Dogs encourage social interaction. If you’re out walking your dog, chances are you will come across someone who will enthusiastically say, “What an adorable dog! What’s her name? May I pet her?” If you’re new to an area, walking your dog will help you meet new neighbors who may turn into lifelong friends. If you take your dog to a dog park you will (obviously!) meet dog enthusiasts and form friendships. “Thank you, Fido for helping me meet people!” right? Senior citizens who live alone also benefit from having a dog as a housemate. Having a dog alleviates their loneliness, helps them be more active and also provides the potential to talk with neighbors. Keep reading for more answers to the question, “why do dogs make us happy?”
More ways our pups give us happiness…
Dogs are great for our health (in many ways!) We’ve already mentioned that having a dog means you will be more active. Those times when you’re not active, petting your dog will make you feel better. Petting a dog is proven to lower blood pressure and make you calmer.
Dogs bring order to your life. Even the most frazzled and over-scheduled individual understands the need for routine for his or her dog. Dogs like to eat at the same times. Dogs like to go for walks at the same time. Dogs thrive when there is routine in their lives. Pet parents will rush home after work to assure their dogs are fed and cared for. Dogs help pet parents be more responsible. Your dog relies on his pet parent for everything. To your dog, you are the center of the universe and that is a responsibility and joy no pet parent ever forgets.
So, ask yourself, why do dogs make us happy? What do you do to make his life as happy and healthy and full of love and life as you can? We would love to know!
Robbi Hess, Woman In The Pet Industry Solopreneur Finalist and award-winning author, is multi-petual. When not caring for her pets or taking them on walks, she is a speaker, efficiency and effectiveness guru, content creator, social media manager and blogger. She writes at All Words Matter, My Divas Dish, and is the story editor and chief cat herder at Positively Woof/Crimeless Cat.
