“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”
– Josh Billings
A dog does not care whether you’re a beggar or the CEO of a firm. If you give it some love, it’ll be your loyal friend for life.
To celebrate these furry creatures (no matter their breed), draw attention to their plight and to encourage their adoption, International Dogs Day is celebrated each year on August 26.
History
It started as National Dog
Day in the US in 2004 by animal rescue advocate Colleen Paige. She chose to
observe the day on August 26 as it’s the date that her family adopted their
first dog ‘Sheltie’ from an animal shelter home.
The website of National Dog Day describes their mission as “to help galvanize the public to recognise the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.”
Effect on humans
Researchers have conducted many studies to find the impact of dogs on humans. Here are some of the effects:
-Lower our stress hormones: Petting/playing with animals reduces stress hormones and these benefits are visible after just five minutes of interacting with a pet. Playing with a dog raises our serotonin and dopamine levels (hormones that relax our nervous system).
-Studies have shown that dogs can help calm hyperactive or aggressive children. They also help those who suffer from anxiety.
-Lowers our blood pressure: Interacting with a dog reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
-Protect against childhood anxiety: A study was conducted by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 643 children participated in the study and a little over half had pet dogs in their homes. Researchers measured the children’s BMI (body mass index), anxiety levels, screen time, and physical activity.
As a result, they found that all the children had similar BMIs, screen time, and physical activity, but their anxiety levels were different. Around 21% of the children who did not have a pet dog tested positive on a screening test for anxiety. However, only 12% of children with dogs tested positive for anxiety. Hence, pets clearly have a beneficial effect on childhood stress and anxiety.
As a result, children who grow up with pets may have a better chance of becoming happy and healthy teens.
-Pets make us feel needed: People feel more needed and wanted when they have a pet to care for. The act of caretaking has mental health benefits. Caring for another living thing gives us a sense of purpose and meaning.
-Increase our self-esteem and well being: In a study, 217 people answered questions about their well-being, personality type, and attachment style. The results showed that pet owners were happier, healthier, and better adjusted than non-owners. -Pets help us build healthy habits: With pets, one tends to take a break from the routine of daily life and go out for a walk. This brings one closer to nature and provides physical activity. Dogs need to be fed on a regular schedule. As a result, the owners need to get up and take care of them—no matter what mood they are in. Hence, pets give people a reason to get up and start their day.
