4 Dog Breeds That Can Help You Manage Stress and Anxiety

The presence of the animal and interaction with it helps to manage mental, emotional and physical problems and, above all, has a positive impact on the general state, adding balance and harmony to life. Further research has highlighted the fact that interacting with a dog increases serotonin and dopamine levels and helps balance other body functions.

Therefore, the dog is rightly called man’s best friend. Next, we will address two problems that many people around the world face: stress and anxiety and we will also explain the benefits of owning a pet.

Generally, people facing these conditions also suffer from insomnia, panic attacks, etc. and there are times when medical care and the support of a psychologist are not enough to alleviate the suffering. It has been observed that healing occurs at a deep level when the person experiences an open and authentic connection, feels comfortable expressing their fears, emotions and daily achievements.

A pet is able to provide this form of connection and the owner will be able to gain psychological comfort and feel unconditionally accepted as a result of the relationship with him. Nature has endowed animals, especially dogs, with a great sense of responsibility towards their owner, and they can dedicate themselves completely to the person who takes care of them. The dog shows great sensitivity, intelligence and is able to understand human emotions and body language. It attaches itself to its owner and practically becomes a member of the family in its own right. The kindness, vitality and devotion of the animal are virtues that are difficult to find in modern society.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting or buying a dog to help you overcome anxiety/stress symptoms more easily, we’ve created a list of the most lovable dog breeds that offer emotional support. Before we look for a non-talking friend, we must keep in mind that the therapeutic abilities of dogs can take various forms. There is a principle that has been tested for centuries and today explained scientifically: the more positive man’s interaction with nature and animals, the more harmonious his health.

According to a 2019 study published in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, when humans and dogs interact in a positive way (for example a hug) they both show an increase in the level of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for generating positive emotional states. Oxytocin is a hormone involved in the creation of social bonds, which is secreted when people relate in various ways: for example, attachment between parents and children, respectively friendships.

It has been observed that companion animals, especially dogs, establish preferential bonds with both other dogs and people. The level of oxytocin increases following the positive relationship between man and animal and it has been highlighted that this increase is greater the deeper the level of connection. The dog’s well-being increases when the owner is attentive and affectionate towards him and vice versa. This is a win-win relationship: the animal will help you feel good and you will feel good too.

Dog personality traits that can help you achieve emotional balance

Each dog has a unique personality and shows some characteristics specific to the breed to which it belongs. That’s why you should know that there are some dog breeds recommended for managing anxiety.

Dogs that bark a lot, are particularly active and require intense physical exercise, or those that may become excessively attached to their owner can aggravate symptoms of stress and anxiety.

The general characteristics of a dog that can offer you emotional support are, among others, affection, friendship, trust, love and loyalty.

Therefore, we recommend the following dog breeds:

• Golden Retrievers – it is one of the most popular breeds in the world. This dog is seen as a true therapist and can offer emotional support to people who suffer from mental illnesses, internal imbalances or are forced to live with certain motor disabilities. He is very friendly, full of life, loving and very sociable with other animals, people and children. He is also considered a true travel companion, he is intelligent and easy to train.
• Bichon Frisee – when we say Bichon the image of a white puppy with two big black, friendly eyes comes to mind. It is able to offer love, devotion and many smiles to the owner. He offers emotional support and we can consider him a real doctor: intelligent, dressed in white and empathetic. He becomes attached to the owner, has a positive attitude and will certainly be happy to spend time with you. It is easy to train but requires extra care. Bichons are also recommended for people with allergies because they shed very little hair.
• Yorkshire Terriers – it is a breed known for its ability to offer real support to people in delicate moments of life. It tends to establish a deep bond with its owner, is friendly and has a cheerful attitude. This dog can be easily trained and taught to perform some small tasks.
• Mop – this dog has particular physical characteristics and an expressive facial expression so much so that anyone can smile just by looking at it. He is sociable and playful, but on the other hand he is calm, attentive and intelligent. He likes to be offered peace and fun. This breed is perfect for bringing harmony to the family and a positive characteristic is its love for children.

The dog must be treated responsibly regardless of the reasons behind the decision to adopt or purchase. Beyond his therapeutic role, it is important that his personality traits are compatible with yours. This way you will be able to build a deep relationship with the animal and you will be able to live life with joy and optimism.