The countless benefits of petting a dog, according to science

Pets are ideal company for human beings, especially dogs, considered “man's best friend.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
24 October 2023 Tuesday 11:35
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The countless benefits of petting a dog, according to science

Pets are ideal company for human beings, especially dogs, considered “man's best friend.” Not only are they a great emotional support for many people, but they can also provide great health benefits.

Stroking a dog can be key to their relaxation and comfort, as well as to stimulate them. If they are feeling anxious, cuddles can also help calm them down.

But it also has benefits for the owner. Sharing time with a pet contributes to your well-being and happiness, and has positive impacts on your mood.

It is scientifically proven that petting dogs and their company are beneficial for health. A teaching psychologist at the University of Miami, Alle R.McConnell, highlighted that people who live with animals are happier.

Petting not only helps reduce stress and anxiety in your dog, but also has an effect on the owner. The frequency of brain waves decreases cortisol, the stress hormone.

Meanwhile, dopamine and serotonin levels are activated and increase when dogs are cuddled; They are neurotransmitters that help reduce discomfort. Having a pet can help people who suffer from anxiety and depression.

Mayo Clinic highlights that having a dog helps you have better cardiovascular health. Petting a dog causes heart rate and blood pressure to decrease.

As caresses have a relaxing effect, heart rate decreases. Additionally, if the person has heart problems, having a dog will help them have a more active life and go for walks, and exercise is recommended for people with these conditions.

If you have babies or children in your house and there are pets, you will help them be less likely to contract some type of allergy or asthma. Having dogs and petting them strengthens the immune system and makes us more resistant to bacteria or germs.

If you have a dog, you should take it for a walk to relieve itself and socialize for at least 30 minutes a day. This gives the most sedentary people a reason to go out and walk.

If you walk your dog regularly in the same place, it will help you interact with other people. A dog makes you more sociable and allows you to generate new bonds.

Having a pet allows us to be more accompanied, happier and to have love and affection from another being. These feelings cause us to release endorphins and live longer.

Dogs can help people who are undergoing rehabilitation or treatments such as autism or physical illnesses. They are medical therapies known as zootherapy.

Each dog is different, and each one has their preferences when it comes to receiving pampering.

If the cuddles are short, intense and fast, your dog will become excited and may become nervous. But if the pampering is soft and slow, you will transmit tranquility and calm to him, making him relax.