The Therapeutic Power of Dogs

What is it about dogs that makes our hearts swell with so much love? It’s not an easy question to answer. 

Our relationship with our canine friends dates back to the prehistoric ages. Human beings and wolves began a symbiotic relationship that started with wolves living near human settlements to gain access to any kind of food waste. Slowly, they got closer and closer, and eventually, they began to live and thrive together. 

Fast forward to today, and we are as in love with them, if not more. 

Dogs have been known to activate the same neural pathways in us as the parent/baby bond does. There are very strong levels of emotion that we tend to feel towards them and them to us. It’s like dogs and human beings were just made for each other. No wonder then that everyone knows them as ‘man’s best friend.’

Let’s try and look at some of the reasons why this bond is so strong and the effect that dogs have on us. 

For starters, the love that dogs have for us is unconditional. No caveats. Their little hearts swell with joy every time they see us, and their eyes cannot hide the absolute thrill they feel to be around us, interact with us, and be loved by us. It’s as simple as the fact that even if you lose everything you ever had and everyone you ever had, you can expect your little buddy to be right there beside you with a wagging tail and sparkling eyes. 

So, it’s no surprise then that they have such a profound effect on us. Dogs have the ability to lift our moods, cheer us up and change our lives. Any kind of human relationship still has factors and terms to it, and if we begin to violate those terms, in most cases, that relationship breaks down, not with them. Maybe that’s why we love them back so very much. We know that no matter what happens, they’re going to be right by our side, and this selflessness is unique among all the relationships we might have in life.

It’s a sense of immense comfort to us to know that we have this little bundle of love with us at all times, no matter what. Social recognition is something that human beings need. It’s what helps us form relationships with others and what helps us survive in this ultra social world. Dogs, surprisingly, can do that. The interactions we have with them help us fulfill this need of ours.

Another thing to remember is that dogs are extremely intuitive and very tuned in to our emotions and expressions. Most people may not believe so, but a dog can read your mood and understand when something is wrong or when you aren’t your usual self. Have you ever wondered why there are times when you are down, your dog seems to almost mirror that emotion, or drop everything else and just be by your side? 

It’s because they can tell that we aren’t ok. Isn’t that just a wonderful feeling? To be loved and understood without having to explain your feelings or talk about them out loud?

This therapeutic power of theirs extends much further than you can imagine. In certain countries, violent prisoners are immersed in therapy that involves dogs. So many of these prisoners are the way they are only because of a complete lack of love from anyone around them. The results? have been astounding. 

Interactions with dogs have helped them calm down, be more focused, and have fewer violent thoughts and instincts. Again, this comes down to the fact that they were able to experience the purest kind of love from these furry friends. 

Dogs have even been prescribed as an alternative to medication to many people who suffer from depression, loneliness, and other afflictions. Being able to care for the dog, interact with them, and receive nothing but joy in return has been known to have incredibly positive effects on such people. 

Studies have shown that the mere act of petting a dog can help to reduce stress hormones, regulate breathing, and lower anxiety levels. So you can only imagine how much that feeling multiplies when you can have a dog around you at all times. 

Sometimes, when you have a bad day, all you need is a hug and a cuddle with your little buddy. It’s amazing how quickly things change when you can do that. It’s amazing how they can feel when it’s time to just be with you and be there for you when you need them the most. In short, they’re just amazing. 

We’ve all been taught as we grew up that if you love someone, they will love you back. If you treat someone badly, you will receive the same, too. However, not with these little angels. They only know how to love. It’s like they’ve been hardwired to just love, love, and love. Isn’t that the purest thing in the world? 

While dogs can have such amazing effects on us, it’s still important to remember that you need to be prepared to take care of one. Getting a dog just to feel loved without committing to care for him or her is a very cruel thing to do. They depend on us, and their world revolves around us. So when we get such endless joy from them, we have to make sure that they too lead good and happy lives.

Picture this - you’ve had a long and hard day at work where things could have been better, and some aspects of your personal life may not be going too great, either. Then as you reach your doorstep and you turn the key, there comes the best form of therapy in the world at full speed, with tail wagging and eyes alight with happiness. What’s heaven even like, if this isn’t it?