Biological Health
There is a common misconception when people hear the word “physical health.” People first assume that it has to be about body weight and whether or not someone is physically active. But this is only one of many aspects that go into physical health. This is why I am using the term “Biological Health.” Biological health refers to the “physiological changes such as blood pressure, cortisol, and heart rate, among others” (Frontiers). Studies find that dogs can influence all these health indicators and even more such as electrodermal activity, as well as neurochemical indicators like dopamine. I am sure we have all heard of dopamine before. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter and hormone responsible for our pleasurable reward and motivation systems. Hence, being exposed to an animal such as a dog, can increase our dopamine levels which motivates us and regulates blood pressure.
Decrease Stress and Cortisol
“Studies have found that short-term interactions with a dog can decrease both subjective stress and circulating cortisol concentrations” (Frontiers). Even just short-term interactions with a dog can make such a huge impact. I remember during finals week students were very stressed so our university opened a temporary petting zoo on campus for students to stop by. The university did this because they knew the effect animals have on our stress levels. When dogs are present dog present they help modulate stress response and cortisol secretion among individuals undergoing a stressful situation. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by our adrenal glands. Cortisol helps our body respond to stress and regulates our blood sugar. Therefore, when a dog is present in a socially stressful environment with you, the dog helps reduce your cortisol levels. For reference, our cortisol levels are typically highest in the morning when we wake up and lowest at midnight.
ASD & PTSD
Cohabitating with a dog impacts the circulating cortisol in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and military veterans with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). This is why lots of ex-military officers have service dogs with them. If you have a PTSD incidence that occurs, having a dog by your side may reduce these symptoms of stress and regulate cortisol and blood levels. For these reasons, dogs are incorporated into treatment and recovery for individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. Similarly, dogs influence the social behaviors and communication of those with ASD. “A recent randomized controlled trial similarly found that interacting with a therapy dog, for 20 min, two times per week, over a 4-week period resulted in reduced cortisol among typically developing and special needs school children” (Frontiers). The more time a child spent stroking the dog before a stressful task, the larger the magnitude of cortisol decreased. Simply petting or stroking a dog contributes to these stress-reducing benefits.
Physical Activity
Other studies suggest that dog walking improves blood pressure, reduces blood sugar levels, better controls weight, and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The roles of maintaining your dog such as grooming, feeding, playing, and letting them outside all encourage physical activity. Physical activity improves blood flow, induces muscle contraction, and reduces joint stiffness. Exercise naturally helps strengthen your muscles, bones, and joints even if it is just walking. When you partake in dog walking, you perform aerobic exercise walking, which can also improve depression and anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.” Just 30 minutes of dog walking reduces these risks and increases deeper, better sleep.
When it comes to selecting your canine companion, it is important to recognize its energy levels and exercise requirements. It’s important to try your best to match your lifestyle and activity levels with your canine companion. This way, you and your canine companion are effectively helping improve each other’s biological health. Let us help match you with a canine companion by filling out this form here
Subscribe to our newsletter here:
https://canineconnections.org/follow-us/
Check Out Our Socials:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter
