For all the heartbreak and challenges that have come as a result of Covid-19, some positives have also come from it. The animal community, namely the dog community, has seen a dramatic spike in adoptions during the pandemic. Rescues, adoption facilities, and pounds have historically been overcrowded, creating a surplus of animals who need homes. Since the start of the pandemic in March, this trend has been hugely reversed.
The drastic increase in adoptions is likely because most people’s lifestyles have completely changed. People are, for the most part, working remotely from home or, unfortunately, have lost their job. In addition to this, people are not going out with friends and family as much as they used to, giving them more time at home.
Due to these forced adjustments, people have been experiencing unprecedented amounts of time both inside and often, alone. To combat these shifts, people have been turning to animals, especially dogs. Here’s why:
Dogs Can Make You Happier
Dog owners are less likely to experience depression. Research has shown that dog owners develop higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, resulting in lower levels of chronic or major depression. This is mainly because dogs are calming companions that create less stress and anxiety in their owners’ lives.
Dogs Can Make You Healthier
Dogs have long been known to positively affect both the physical and mental health of their owners. Dogs require a certain amount of playtime and exercise each day, forcing their owners to participate. People who own dogs get more exercise in their day by simply accommodating their dog’s needs and lifestyle. Dogs can also greatly affect their owners’ mental health, by forcing them to remain active and healthy. When people experience depression, for example, they often have difficulty getting out of bed. With a dog, people are forced to have to work through their difficulties, such as getting out of bed, because they have a dog that needs them.
Dogs are the Best Companions
One of, if not the most noticeable benefits of having a dog, is that it’s almost impossible to ever feel lonely. When a dog is by your side, it can almost feel as though a person is right there next to you. But, that “person” doesn’t judge, discriminate, or care about anything besides your love and affection. Also, most dogs are highly sociable and love company, whether that’s another dog or human. So, dogs will typically always want to be around their owners, giving their owners constant companionship.
Dogs are a Great Way to Meet New People
Even though we are in a pandemic now, there will be a time when life resumes to normalcy. When that occurs, being social may feel more difficult than usual, because of the substantial amount of time that went by without real social interaction. So, having a dog can make those social challenges a bit easier. Having a dog is a great conversation starter, whether they’re with you or not. No matter how different our lives are, people always connect about their love for their dog!
Getting a dog, regardless of the circumstances, positively affects your life in more ways than one. But, during times like these, having one is even more important. If you’re struggling with the challenges that have come from the pandemic, consider adding a new furry member to your family.
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