Sign-up for our email Newsletter

Mobile Devices Note:

There's more to this site! Go to the bottom of the page and click "View Web Version" to see the whole site.

Find More Lessons and Articles

To see all the dog training posts (Over 260 pages)
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the list and most popular titles.

SEARCH Family Disaster Dogs 260+ pages

Thursday, August 4, 2022

The Benefits of Animal Therapy

Mental health is often a topic that people are hesitant to talk about. It can be challenging to open up about our feelings, especially if we don't feel like we have anyone to talk to. That's where animal therapy comes in. Dogs are one of the most common animals used in therapy, and for a good reason! They provide many benefits that can help improve our mental health. This blog post will discuss five ways dogs are used as a treatment for mental health issues.


1) Dogs can provide comfort and companionship.


If you're feeling lonely or isolated, spending time with a dog can help. Dogs are known for their ability to provide unconditional love and support, which can be incredibly helpful when dealing with mental health issues. They offer us a sense of connection and companionship that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Breeds like a schnauzer, Kerris Havanese, and Pomeranians are known for their friendly nature and companionship. 


Additionally, dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Spending time with a calm, relaxed dog can help us feel more relaxed. Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are important for reducing stress levels.


Via pexels 

2) Dogs can help us get exercise.


Exercise is an essential part of maintaining mental health. It helps to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Additionally, exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. All of these benefits can be extremely helpful when dealing with mental health issues.


Walking a dog is a great way to get some exercise while spending time with a furry friend. Dogs need to walk, so it's a win-win situation! Getting out in nature and enjoying some fresh air can also be beneficial for our mental health.


3) Dogs can help us socialize.


Mental health issues can often lead to social isolation. Spending time with a dog can help us break out of our comfort zone and interact with other people. Dogs are a great icebreaker and can help us start conversations with others. They can also provide support and encouragement when we're feeling shy or anxious.


Meeting new people and interacting with them on a regular basis is important for maintaining mental health. Dogs can help make this process easier and more enjoyable.


4) Dogs can provide a sense of purpose.

Via pexels 


When dealing with mental health issues, it can be easy to feel like we don't have a purpose in life. Having a dog can help us feel needed and appreciated. Dogs rely on us for their care, which can help us feel more capable and competent. They also offer us unconditional love and companionship, which can boost our self-esteem.


5) Dogs can help us live in the present.


Mental health issues often cause us to dwell on past events or worry about the future. This can lead to a feeling of being stuck in a negative loop. Dogs can help break this cycle by living in the present moment. They don't dwell on the past or worry about the future, which can help us do the same.



.


Via pexels 


Dogs offer many benefits that can be helpful for mental health issues. If you're considering getting a dog, be sure to do your research to find the right breed for you. Each type of dog has its own unique personality and needs, so it's crucial to find one that will fit nicely into your life.


No comments:

UK Visitors

Welcome UK visitors to Family Disaster Dogs online! Although I'm an American author and dog professional the worldwide web has given me the opportunity to connect with some wonderful folks who have contributed pictures for my books. The "Start Mantrailing" book features RRI K9 North Scotland Search and Rescue Dog "Amber" on the cover and her teammates in the book, plus American dogs training that I know. A portion of the sales of the Start Mantrailing book or copies are donated to RRI North Scotland. The children's picture book "My Puppy Can Find Me" has my daughter and bloodhound as illustrations by UK cartoonist Scotty King. You can find the books on Amazon UK or visit my book page above to order from me.

My Children's Picture Book

My Children's Picture Book
Click the Image to see the Book

Author Amber Higgins

Author Amber Higgins
Click Pic to Visit my author page

Featured Lesson

My Dog is Prepared Are You ?

How are you Prepared?  Post answers in the comments...we'd love to hear from you! Be ready for pet medical emergencies with one of these...

Popular Posts

Past Posts and Lessons

To see all the lessons and dog care articles on this site:

Look at the dates listed below and click one date to bring up all the articles and lessons published at this site in one page for each date.

There are well over 200 pages that have been published here at Family Disaster Dogs since 2011.

New lessons or dog care articles continue to be posted weekly.

The list below is the easiest way to find all the information here.

Enjoy the search and follow that dog!

Let's Share on Social Media !

Let's enable each family to respond

and do something while waiting for help

during neighborhood emergency and disaster incidents,

extreme weather and terrorist attacks.


Good Luck and Be Safe !

Blog Archive

Read a Free Preview or Buy !

Help Keep Free Books Free for everyone-Donate Today!

Dog Bug-out Bag book

Free Preview

Read and Review my books on Goodreads

Family Disaster Dogs

Purchases from affiliate links help Keep Family Disaster Dogs Site Free!

Check this deal out and support us! Thanks