Have you ever felt your mood improve after cuddling with a pet? It’s not all in your head. Petting a dog has been proven to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. It can also go a step further by raising serotonin and dopamine levels. When these nerve transmitters are triggered, it leads to a feeling of calm and happiness. These same effects happen in kids.
While there could be potential problems with a dog, research has found the merits of ownership go beyond what we once thought. For additional benefits for the whole family, please see the accompanying resource.
Graphic created by Recherche Kennels – Bernes, a breeder offering trained bernese mountain dog.
