Whether you’re a heartbreaker or the one who is heartbroken after a breakup, emotions will always run high. Breakups are never easy. The confusion and loneliness can often lead people to depression, weight gain or loss, or isolation from family and friends. Luckily, sometimes the most loyal companions are our furry friends. Here are five reasons why adopting a dog after a breakup can change your life for the better.
Get up, get out!
If you just got out of a breakup, you might be feeling sluggish and depressed. Having a dog can give you a heightened sense of purpose. Health experts recommend that adults get about 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
When you own a dog, you are far more likely to surpass this number by a lot. Walking your dog can be an easy way to get out and maintain an active lifestyle.
Adopting a dog after a breakup: Companionship
A breakup can cause many to feel lonely, especially during those long winter nights. Luckily, dogs seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to compassion and understanding. They are judgment-free and are always happy to curl up next to you and rest their head on your chest.
Dogs can sense your emotions and energy, so if you’re having a tough day, they will usually pick up on it. Dogs make the best cuddlers and just want to be as close to you as possible.
No more arguing
Dogs offer a subtle sense of consistency and calmness. Dogs won’t fight with you or cause you any trouble.
A dog can make you less anxious and more relaxed. Pets can help divert attention away from our problems and worries. They won’t ever talk back.
Security
Studies show that burglars are less likely to target houses where a dog lives due to increased risk of being caught. Their barking and excellent sense of hearing make dogs the perfect guardians for you during the night.
According to dog bite injury lawyer, Greg Colburn, “A dog will only attack if they feel threatened. Their acute hearing and natural sense of defense can keep you safe in the event of a robbery. Besides, they are extremely fast and have sharp teeth that can double as a weapon to protect you if you’re in danger.”
Social benefits
Dogs promote interaction between people and other animals. One study in a veterinary hospital showed that residents had more verbal interactions with each other when a dog was present in the room than when there was no dog present. Even having a dog by your side when you walk down the street can encourage positive interactions between humans.
As mentioned earlier, owning a dog has endless mental health benefits for you following a breakup. Not only do dogs bring you companionship, happiness, and security, but dogs also give a sense of purpose on a day-to-day basis. They can help bring you out of your post-breakup funk and get you back into new habits that involve getting outside and being more social.
Alana Redmond is a graduate in Media and Business from the University of California San Diego. She is also a consumer safety writer for safer-america.com and an avid dog lover. Instagram: @its_lonnie
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