Ways Dogs Comfort Us When We’re Sick
Even with all the technology and medicine in the world – sometimes all we want is our furry friends to help us feel better. Therapy dogs have been on the rise over the past few years, and it’s not a big surprise why. Our furry friends are great at relieving stress and sometimes even detecting impending diseases before we’re able to. Let’s dive into more of the specifics of how our canine companions help us when we’re sick or feeling low.
Being in Contact with a Canine Makes Us Happier
There’s actually scientific research to back up that dogs can make us happier through just touch alone. Petting a dog can release all kinds of beneficial hormones in our brain – like endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. These hormones are known for having the ability to make us happier, and even open up a path to healing and change in our overall behavior.
Dogs Can Provide Refuge from Human Interaction
Sometimes we don’t want a person to comfort us or have to talk to anyone about how we’re feeling – which is why dogs can be so great. Your pup doesn’t speak or judge you but instead accepts you for exactly who you are. There’s also a point where we’ve all needed a break from human interaction when are emotions are high. Dogs can provide us with comfort during this time through snuggling, or simply just being by your side.
Our Pups Can Lower Our Stress
When our canines comfort us, several things happen. First, they bring us a bit of joy and lower our stress levels. Then, this increase in happiness makes us feel more active, which in effect improves our overall health. Many doctors will tell you that there is a link between our health and our happiness – so when dogs comfort us, they’re not only lowering our stress but helping improve our overall well-being
Dogs Can Sometimes Detect Possible Illnesses
In 2006, there was a study that recorded ordinary, non-trained dogs and their ability to identify breast and lung cancer patients by smelling their breath. The theory of our canine companions being able to detect illnesses is still new, and so studies are still being conducted. However, it does make sense that due to our furry friend’s fantastic sense of smell, that they could be able to detect subtle chemical shifts through our breath. In studies, it showed that when pooch’s do notice this change, they tend to come to our aid and try to provide their companionship as a way of helping us heal.
Our four-legged friends are masters of recognizing body language, so even subtle shifts in our behavior can cause them to come to our aid – and in effect, it can help us. Plus, studies in the future might show that they can help us, not only mentally, but physically as well.