Most dog owners would agree that you don’t need a reason to cuddle your dog more often — if anything, a dog’s stare and nuzzle is enough to melt any pooch lover’s heart. There are, however, actual benefits to cuddling and petting your furry best friend. Here are 6 Strong Reasons You Should Cuddle Your Dog More Often. insurance quotes
#6. Dogs are cute
Sometimes, dogs act like they were put on this earth to be cuddled — and that’s a hard purpose for any dog owner to ignore. Whether your pup is a dachshund or a rottweiler, a lab or a boxer, all dogs deserve love and care — and for every second of cuddling, they’ll swear a lifetime of loyalty and respect to you. Unless they’re corgis. So stubborn.
#5. It will build your relationship immensely
Studies show that when you interact with your dog, both you and your pet show increased levels of oxytocin in the blood. Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”, is released by the body during social interactions that are especially important to building relationships — such as between a mother and her breastfeeding child, or a couple in love. Other domesticated animals also show increased levels of oxytocin during positive interaction, but dogs are especially connected to their respective humans. dog insurance health
#4. It can beat away at depression
Increased levels of oxytocin and social interaction are inversely related to depression — alongside serotonin, dopamine, and all the other lovely brain cocktails that make you forget about being mopey and dopey. Besides, anyone knows that cuddling a cute, eagerly loving an animal is the best cure for clinical sadness.
#3. It can also lower your risk of stroke
It’s simple — if you give yourself more time to relax and unwind, you lower your chances of experiencing a stroke. A stroke is when your brain’s blood and oxygen supply is dangerously restricted — and it can occur for any number of reasons, from constricted blood vessels to a hemorrhage. Cuddling your dog — or anyone else you love for that matter can help you avoid a stroke. Make sure to include dosages of laughter and healthy, delicious food.
#2. Cuddling your dog can release stress
Cuddling your dog isn’t just good for your pet — it’s great for you. While oxytocin is released, human cortisol levels drop, alongside a calmed heart rate after a session of petting and cuddling. Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone, used to bring about metabolic action to help you deal with your “hostile” environment and regulate your body — but excess levels lead to a physical breakdown.
#1. Cuddling your pet may even help release insulin
Research shows that naturally-produced oxytocin may be functional as an insulin-secreting drug. That means oxytocin release could potentially help combat obesity and diabetes — but don’t let cuddles be your primary path towards losing weight.