Generation

Bark of loyalty: Benefits of having a dog

OFTENTIMES, we find comfort in the most unexpected things. Some like the sounds of raindrops or the waves of the sea, while others might find the bark of dogs calming.

And for fur parents, nothing can top the feeling of coming home to the warm welcome and comfort of a loyal companion. 

When people keep leaving in times of the heaviest drop of emotions and under the waves of confusion, our dogs seem to be the only ones who stay. 

Discovering comfort in the midst of discomfort

Chessca Diane, 21, a dog owner, feels an immense connection and tranquillity by taking care of her dog for thirteen years. At the same time, she has found healing.

“They make you happy, safe, have family bonding, and they also improve my mental health,” Diane stated.

Another dog lover, Cristiana Greg Mirasol, 21, emphasised that having dogs help them maintain a positive energy in their home.  

“Bantay sila sa bahay, hindi ka nila iiwan, loyal sila sa’yo, at sila lang ang nagmamahal sa’yo nang totoo dahil sobrang pure nila,” Mirasol explained. 

She continued, “Nadiskubre ko rin na isa pala akong maalagang tao at mapagmahal.” 

While John Lloyd Aleta, 21, who had taken care of nine dogs in the past decade, commented on the contributions and benefits of dogs to someone’s life, even if it was conjoined with responsibilities. 

“I discovered how to handle grief,” he said, after the death of his pets and being left with only one of the nine dogs. “Emotional support talaga naiisip ko. ‘Yung pagiging “general” bantay pwede rin, though in most cases sila na nga ‘yung kailangang bantayan.”

“Malaking ambag ‘yung putting yourself in others’ shoes. Dahil kasi ‘di sila ‘yung conventional communicators natin, napapaisip ka kung ano ba ang need nila through limited information and observations. Na-apply ko siya sa social interactions, kasi I learned how to observe to get desirable outcomes with my peers,” he said. 

John Lloyd also admitted that having a pet is not always about having “happy  moments,” it is also about understanding after so many mistakes and willingness to straighten them out. 

There is no doubt that humans can keep up with continuous rants and give advice when needed to, and medicines can somehow ease the pain in our bodies. However, dogs seem to have their own magic, that even without words, just being present with them is enough, and even just temporarily, everything feels right. 

Benefits of having a dog

According to the American Kennel Club, there are 10 science-based benefits of having a dog.  

  • Dogs make us feel less lonely

According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 85% of their study respondents believe that the simple interaction with a dog can reduce loneliness and can make us feel at ease in times of difficult situations and continuous sadness. 

  • Dogs are good for the heart

One of the studies published correlates that between 1950 and 2019, dog owners had the lower risk of death. Results showed lowered blood pressure and decreased level of stress brought by the bond between the human and the dog.  

  • Dogs help you stop stressing out

The scientists at Washington State University discovered that spending even 10 minutes interacting with your dog has a significant impact on our emotional distress.  

  • Dogs can help us cope in times of crisis

Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine discovered that dogs can console their owners and have helped to reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve mental toughness.  

  • Dogs encourage you to move

A 2019 British study explained that dog owners are likely to meet the required daily physical activity guidelines, as owning a dog involves regular walks that improves the cardiovascular function of both the owners and their dogs. 

  • Dogs make you more attractive

In a study conducted by Nicholas Guegen and Serge Ciccotti in 2015, it was found that owners can look extra attractive when accompanied by a dog. It makes the individual more relaxed, brighter, and noticeable in the eyes of others. 

  • Dogs make us more special

Researchers from The University of Western Australia in 2015 found that 40% of dog owners have an easier time finding friends. A dog’s presence serves as an ice-breaker to strangers. 

  • Dogs are made to be irresistible

Dogs have innate cute eyes and floppy ears that are scientifically pleasant in the eyes. Their facial expressions are also hard to get over as they are attractive and charming to humans’ eyes.  

  • Dogs make us happier

A study in Japan in 2009 discovered that when you stare into your dog’s eyes, there is a possibility to raise the level of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.”.  

  • Dogs can have positive effects on seniors

Studies discovered that dogs can help improve cognitive functions of senior citizens in a long-term case of mental illness. Having a dog can also decrease the agitated behaviors of seniors with dementia and refine social communications.

Reciprocate the treatment

In times of loneliness, when the days are not favoring the emotional state of a person and feeling so alone, the safest place is to be near with the comfort of a dog.

A lot of people say that dogs got our back no matter what, that they are the comfort during the lowest peak of emotion; but it is also a must to give them the same treatment they give us in their moments of need.

We must also remember our responsibilities to our pets. 

So that we, the owners, and our dogs will be each other’s comfort. 

With reports from Merry Nizza Llanto

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