Go Pet a Dog!

Feeling stressed? Irritated? Sad? Go pet a dog! We’ve all had bad days whether it’s being stressed out from another day at work or driving the kids around to different activities. When you get home, your dog is always there to greet you (unless he’s too busy pulling the cotton out of his squeaky Lambchop toy.) When you go to pet him, you immediately get slobbered with kisses and a high speed tail wag. You automatically forget your stresses from the day (I know I do!)

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 63.4 million households in the United States own a dog, leading in the category of pets owned in 2020. The more dogs, the happier we will all be (at least that’s what I believe!)

Petting a dog has a number of healthy benefits, physically and emotionally. It relieves stress and anxiety, improves the immune system against allergies and diseases, increases physical activity, and improves our emotional state. Petting our dog in turn soothes him too!

Research has shown that dog owners have a healthier heart rate then non-dog owners. Dog owners are more likely to survive a heart attack then non-dog owners!

Another benefit to petting a dog is that it increases bonding and communication. Our tone of voice changes when talking to them, when they’re being cute and funny, and when they give you a kiss on the hand. Still feeling frustrated or upset? Then go pet your dog!