What if we told you that a furry friend can offer you more joy, happiness, and health benefits than you ever imagined? That's right, our loyal canine companions are not just pets, but also vital contributors to our overall wellness. This episode reveals the profound impact dogs have on our health and well-being. We share personal anecdotes about the unparalleled emotional support they provide, their uncanny ability to inspire mindfulness and somatic awareness, and the fascinating science behind these connections. Listen as we delve into how these tail-wagging pals can lower stress hormones, stir happiness, and motivate us to lead more active lifestyles.
Ever wondered about the secret benefits of spending time with dogs? Well, it's time to unfold this alluring mystery! From bolstering your social life to promoting community building, dogs serve as much more than just adorable companions. If you're contemplating opening your heart and home to a four-legged friend, we guide you through the key factors to consider before making this life-changing decision. We also spotlight the significance of adopting from shelters and rescue centers, sharing our own joyous journey of offering a loving home to dogs in need. This episode is a must-listen for dog lovers and wellness enthusiasts alike, promising wholesome insights and heartfelt stories about the unique bond between humans and dogs.
*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and its contents are intended for informational purposes only.
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Welcome to episode 37 of our Full Spectrum Wellness podcast. I'm so happy and excited to be back here with you for our 37th episode. Today we have a heartwarming episode that's very close to my own heart, because today we're talking about the incredible health and wellness benefits of spending time with dogs. If you love dogs as much as I do, or you're thinking about bringing a furry friend into your life for wellness reasons, this episode is absolutely for you. We will be talking about our awesome four-legged friends and how they contribute to our overall general health and well-being. So grab your leashes figuratively speaking, of course and let's walk through the health and wellness benefits of spending time with dogs. Let's dive right in. The first benefit and this is huge is emotional support.
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Anyone who has a dog knows they're not just pets, they're family, but they're also emotional anchors. When you come home after a stressful day, having a wagging tail and enthusiastic barks really does lift your spirits instantly. Whether you're feeling low, stressed or you've just had a long day, the affection of a loving dog can make everything better. Now it doesn't matter if I nip upstairs to the loo for two minutes or I've been out all day. I get the same greeting from my dogs. A waggy tail. They're jumping up, they just want cuddles. They bring me a present, some cuddly toy they found on the floor. They don't give it me, they bring it to me, but they are just so happy to see me.
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But this isn't just anecdotal evidence. There's scientific evidence and studies to back this up. Research indicates that the presence of a dog can help lower cortisol levels that's the stress hormone, and it increases our levels of oxytocin. That's the hormone associated with happiness and relaxation and it's often referred to as the love hormone. Oxytocin helps to reduce stress and anxiety and it makes you feel calmer and more centered. I want you to think about those moments when you're feeling really down or you're anxious. Just the simple act of petting your dog can be a form of mindfulness that helps you to focus on the present moment rather than dwell on problems or worries. And we all need to be more dog too. Have you ever noticed how dogs well, animals in general seem to live completely in the moment? Now, I used to take our type therapy dog, rosie, on Duckingfield Park across from the centre, and it's full of squirrels. If Rosie chased one of those squirrels on a lead, that squirrel didn't go home until its family and friends. Hey, guess what a crazy cock a spaniel just chased me up the tree and it didn't recall that incident several weeks, several months or even several years later, like humans do.
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There's a lot we can learn from them about mindfulness and somatic awareness. Somatics refers to a field within body work and movement studies that emphasises internal physical perceptions and experiences. In simple terms, it's about being more in tune with your body, recognising how emotional or mental states can manifest physically and, believe it or not, our dogs can be some of our best teachers in this regard. Have you ever watched your dog stretch luxuriously or shake after an app, or maybe engage in a playful bout of the zoomies, running around like there's no tomorrow? Dogs understand how to respond to their body's needs without overthinking it. If they're restless, they run. If they're tired, they sleep. They don't agonise over past mistakes or future concerns. They just simply respond to the here and now.
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For humans, becoming aware of our bodies or achieving somatic awareness often requires deliberate effort, but for a dog, it's a natural state of being. When they feel joy, they wag their tails. When they're nervous, they might shake or whimper. They are in constant, effortless communication with their own bodies. So what can we learn from this? Well, by observing and emulating this natural somatic intelligence that dogs have, we can gain insights into our own patterns of physical tension or emotional holding. We might find that spending time with dogs helps us to become more mindful and connected with our own body, enhancing our emotional wellbeing and even lowering our stress levels. Dogs, in their simplicity, can offer us profound lessons on how to be present and connected, and these lessons are valuable for our own journeys towards holistic wellness.
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Now onto the second point increased physical activity. We're all familiar with the physical benefits of owning a dog, namely, they get you moving. Dogs need exercise, which means you'll be getting exercise too. But let's dive deeper. Regular exercise with your dog doesn't just keep you fit, it also has significant cardiovascular benefits. Regular warts can help to lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels and even stabilize blood sugar levels. There have been some research into diabetic patients doing dog walking, and it's actually really helped their diabetes. What's more, your dog's needs for exercise can serve as a powerful motivator for yourself. How many of us have skipped a workout at the gym because we just weren't feeling it? But when those big eyes look up at you, leading mouth skipping. That walk becomes a lot harder. And let's not forget, regular exercise releases endorphins, which are the body's natural mood lifters, so it's a win-win for both you and your furry friend. Now, whether it's daily walks, playing fetch in the park or even agility training, your fitness levels are bound to increase when you have a dog.
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The next benefit I want to talk to you about is social interaction. Having a dog can also boost your social life. When you're out walking your dog, you're more likely to engage with other people, whether that's dog owners or friendly neighbours. Dogs are natural icebreakers and these interactions can add a social component to your life, enriching it in unexpected ways, and its benefit isn't just momentary. These social interactions can lead to meaningful relationships and a sense of community, which are all vital elements for our mental and emotional health.
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If all of this is making you consider adopting a dog for wellness reasons, that's fantastic, but there are some things that you need to consider. First of all, size matters, so consider your living situation. Do you have enough space for the breed that you're interested in? Make sure your home can comfortably accommodate the dog that you want. Secondly, look at activity levels. Different dogs have different energy levels. My coxpagnols are like Duracell batteries they never run out. Other brands of batteries are available, by the way, but they just keep going and going and going. They need lots of exercise. So does the Lamborghini. So make sure that the choice of breed that you want fits your lifestyle. Now there are some breeds that don't require a very much exercise. They're just very lazy and they don't want to go out. So really match that breed that you want to your own needs and so, as I say, some breeds require more exercise than others. So know your own limits and your lifestyle to match with the right dog.
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Thirdly, allergies Make sure that no one in your household is allergic to dogs and consult your GP or your healthcare provider to rule out any allergies or potential health issues that could arise. It's too late once the dog is in your home. Fourthly, time Dogs require a time commitment for training, exercise and general care, and puppies especially require time for training to ensure that they're well behaved and safe. Fifthly, financial commitment it's not cheap to have a dog Beyond the adoption fee if you pay one to a rescue centre. Dogs require regular vet checkups and care, quality food, grooming and other supplies. So make sure you're financially ready for the commitment and finally adopt. Don't shop If possible.
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Consider adopting from a rescue shelter. Rehome from somebody that you know, as we did recently. There are so many wonderful dogs in need of loving homes. Especially after the pandemic, there has been an increase in the amount of dogs that are being given up for adoption. These countless beautiful dogs in shelters are desperately looking for a forever home. So consider adoption as your first choice.
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I currently have three rescue dogs Cocker Spaniels, rosie, who's nearly 16, daisy, who's six, and recently our Labradoodle, penny, who is seven. They all needed to be in a better environment and it's so rewarding when you can give that loving home to a dog that really needs it. So I can't recommend it enough and they are so, so grateful. They are so, so loyal Because they recognise that you have given up your time and you've made that commitment to give them a better home, and they really do respond to that and they're very, very trusting if you put the work in. So there you have it, friends.
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Just a few of the incredible wellness benefits of spending time with dogs and how they can enrich your lives and actively contribute your own wellbeing. They offer emotional support, they help you stay active, they encourage more physical activity and give you opportunities for social interaction, and they can even help build a community around us. If you're considering adding a dog to your family, I couldn't be more thrilled for you. It's a journey filled with love, companionship and, yes, wellness. I want to thank you for joining me for this episode. If you've enjoyed it, please share it with other pet lovers or those considering bringing a furry companion into their lives, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us to keep bringing you these insights into holistic wellness. Until next time, take care and embrace the full spectrum of wellness in your life.