This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week with its theme loneliness, dogs can really help someone with their mental health with their kindness and companionship.
Dogs have been linked to improved wellbeing and a reduction in stress and anxiety levels in humans
Since lockdown in April 2020 there has been a gradual increase in loneliness, it has been shown that it can have a huge impact on a person’s physical and mental health.
These are just some of the ways that dogs can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing
- Getting us out of the house – they encourage us to get some exercise and fresh air, they can also have a social impact on our lives, whether it be meeting people on walks, or joining a training class
- Dogs make the perfect companion – they can reduce lonliness and make us feel needed and it’s someone to spend the day with for people living alone
- They build a routine for us – dogs need regular feeding, exercise and care which will build structure and gives us a sense of purpose
- Building self esteem – learning new tricks and training with your dog can build a new confidence and the bond between you both
