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If you deal with depression and anxiety, psychotherapy, medication, and self-help practices such as meditation may help you manage your mood. And an increasing body of research also suggests a puppy prescription.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pet Owner Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, there\u2019s evidence that therapy dogs, service dogs, and regular companion canines can all help boost people\u2019s moods. For example, scientists have found that dog owners who interact with their animals show increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes positive feelings, trust and bonding. What\u2019s more, studies<\/a> also show the dogs have elevated levels of the hormone after gazing into their owners\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs can improve people\u2019s physical health as well. In fact, research cited by NPR<\/a> showed heart attack patients who owned pets lived longer than those who didn\u2019t, and that petting your own dog can reduce your blood pressure. Oxytocin, the bonding hormone that interacting with dogs promotes, also increases the body\u2019s readiness to heal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other People\u2019s Pets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to be a dog owner to reap some of these rewards. For instance, you could sign up to be a dog walker in order to get more exercise and increase your social interactions while you\u2019re walking other people\u2019s pets. Both regular exercise<\/a> and increased interactions have been shown to help manage and mitigate the symptoms of depression. Plus, you\u2019ll be earning extra money, a boon to your body and your bank account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n