HEALTH Dog Power

Most dog lovers know that life is better with a dog. The fact that this is backed up by science appears to demonstrate that dog owners, who love to speak glowingly about the joy that their beloved pooches give to them, are speaking the truth.

Having a cuddly companion not only provides unconditional love and constant entertainment but also does wonders for one’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

However, there are also responsibilities associated with dog ownership. They need to be fed and exercised regularly, kept in good health, socialised, kept safe and given lots of love. These responsibilities may seem onerous but should be considered a privilege in return for the love and joy our dogs bring to us!

Here are some ways that dog ownership can improve our health and wellbeing:

Increase in physical activity

Having a dog encourages owners to get out in the fresh air and get moving, making it much more likely they achieve the recommended weekly amount of physical activity. A recent study conducted by exercise scientists with the University of Liverpool and other institutions found that most dog owners spend close to 300 minutes each week walking their dogs – an average 200 more minutes of weekly walking than people without dogs. The positive aspects of regular exercise are indisputable in helping maintain a healthy weight and improved cardiovascular health.

Reduce stress levels

The very companionship that comes with having a dog can lead to lower anxiety and blood pressure and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurochemicals that play big roles in calm and wellbeing. A recent Washington State University study demonstrated that just ten minutes of stroking a dog each day resulted in a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone. In addition to improved blood pressure, having a canine companion will also reduce cholesterol levels, all resulting in a much healthier heart. Not only will having and exercising a dog improve heart health, but it also appears that dog owners who have had heart attacks have better recovery rates and life expectancies.

Boosts the immune system

Living with and having a lovingly healthy relationship with a canine may also have a positive effect on a person’s health by boosting the immune system. Therefore dog owners have stronger immunity against disease and are less likely to be on medication when compared with non-dog owners.

‘It’s as if the normal barriers of social approachability are reduced as people love to stop and ask about a dog’

Increase social interactions

A further advantage and one that is not always considered is that dogs strengthen our social relationships. When walking a dog it is easier to interact with strangers. It’s as if the normal barriers of social approachability are reduced as people love to stop and ask about a dog. This makes it easier to make and keep new friends lessening the possibility of social isolation. This is a huge advantage for those who live alone, when new to an area and for older adults whose cognitive functions tend to improve with the stimulation of increased social interaction.

Increase Mindfulness

In many ways dogs embody mindfulness and tend to live in a state of mind that is more carefree than their human companions, not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. This has obvious benefits for their owners, encouraging them to live a more mindful life and have a greater appreciation for what is happening right now. When out for a walk a dog’s head is up and the tail is wagging. Each walk is an adventure, observing new sights, smells, sounds, people and animals – truly making the most of every moment.

Benefits for Children

For children the advantages gained from having a dog are numerous, from increasing levels of empathy to having a constant fun-loving and non-judgmental companion. There are also health benefits such as reducing their susceptibility to some allergies and other complaints such as respiratory infections, as exposure to animals stimulates the immune system. Taking responsibility for a dog can also teach children valuable life lessons like trust, compassion, respect and patience.

So the secret is out – having a dog is good for your health and happiness. It might be time to consider adopting a dog from one of the many organisations that shelter dogs and alleviate the suffering they experience as a result of irresponsible ownership, neglect and abuse. This is a list of some of the main dog shelters in Ireland:

• Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Dublin Society for Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals • Dogs Trust • PAWS Animal Rescue • MADRA Dog Shelter • Husky Rescue Ireland • Limerick Animal Welfare • Sera Husky Animal Rescue • West Cork Animals • ASH Animal Rescue, Wicklow • Inistioge Puppy Rescue

Any of the above charities will assist in finding the right pet for each individual or family and will guide them through the adoption process.

Eszter Hatala www.eszterpetportraits.ie hello@eszterpetportraits.ie +353 85 7591393 fi eszterpetportraits

JEAN LOWNDES ART

Palette Knife Artist

www.jeanlowndesart.ie fiq

Jean exhibits on Merrion Square North Sundays (weather permitting) Visits to her studio by appointment Check her website for all up to date exhibitions Her work is available at The Kilrane Gallery Wexford, Number 10 Design Co. Kildare, Castle Crafts Trim, Taylor Made Crafts @Argillan Castle Skerries and The Quay Gallery Westport

Dog Nutrition: The ultimate diet

Connolly’s Red Mills take pride in putting animals at the centre of everything that that they do. The Go Native recipes use only the highest quality Irish meat, fish, vegetables and superfoods, all of which are sustainably sourced and fully traceable.

With each recipe crammed with 70% meat, whether they love the taste of organic Irish salmon, free-run Irish turkey, chicken or Wild Atlantic herring, Connolly’s Red Mills have got your pet covered.

Each recipe is prepared with nutritious, antioxidant-rich vegetables and botanicals right here in lovely Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, to make sure that Go Native is always the fine dining that your dogs will adore.

fiy @redmillspet

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